HI 12.14.22

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT

Dynasty coming to an end with restaurant closing

By Jane Bigda Contributing Writer

The restaurant offerings in Hopkinton will be a little less diverse next year. After 30 years of serving local residents Chinese and Japanese food, the Dynasty Chinese Restaurant and Lounge will close on Jan. 21.

“We are getting older, our lease is expiring and the pandemic changed a lot of things,” said Rosie Liang. She and her husband, Charlie Pan, own the restaurant and are set to retire.

Working as a team, Liang manages the restaurant while her husband, who has cooked all his life, is the chef. He has been experiencing some health issues and needs to rest. “His health is the main reason we are retiring,” said Liang.

The couple tried to find a buyer for the restaurant at 77 West Main Street, but there were no takers. “It is a good location and the business is good, but buyers are worried about the rent,” said Liang.

Dynasty was founded by Liang’s

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

This fall, a trio of students at Hopkinton High School launched a composting program to address the problem of food waste in the school cafeteria. Now others are hoping it could be the impetus toward more town-wide awareness.

Interest in the idea by Alice Potapov, Avani Daga and Alveena Ehsan dated back to their freshman year as members of Passion Project, a club based on the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.

Potapov said instituting sustainability measures in school appeared to be the most “real-

Charlie Nugent, 1, shares a moment with Santa Claus at St. John’s Church during the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll on Dec. 3.

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Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett

Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon

Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Chris Villani, John Cardillo, Christine Strickland, Christie Vogt, Jane Bigda, Susan Gonsalves, Courtney Cornelius, Mary Ellen Gambon

Year in Review: Bull to backups

Iwas at the dentist a couple of weeks ago to get a tooth capped. The dentist asked me to open my mouth. She took a look and her initial comment — this is an exact quote, word for word, I remember it well — was, “Yikes.”

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INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY

SPAR

While stuck in the chair waiting for the novocaine to take hold, I started thinking about the many times in 2022 that evoked a similar feeling. So, as we put the cap on 2022, here are 10 stories from the past 12 months that qualified as “Yikes” moments.

10. The loose bull on Ash Street — Someone who knows more about these things than me says it’s actually a steer, because allegedly it was headed for the slaughterhouse on Ash Street when it escaped. Either way, it’s been wandering for months, appearing in residents’ yards and grazing on the side of the road. Police Chief Joseph Bennett said last week that the town’s animal control officer was working on plan to catch it. I went looking for it one day recently and quickly spotted it behind a house. It saw me looking at it from my car and stared me down, but it did allow me to take its picture before leaving.

9. The Upper Charles Trail Committee — Despite vocal opposition to the committee’s proposal to have the trail go around Marathon School and down Hayden Rowe Street, the UCTC remains undeterred. The UCTC is sending $140,000 (mostly grant funded) to engineers for a study of the portion that would go around Marathon School. It will be interesting to see what happens when this committee presents its options to the Select Board and when Town Meeting gets to weigh in on it.

8. Norman Khumalo’s job search — The longtime town manager interviewed for positions with two other communities

this summer but wasn’t selected for either. “I … am looking forward to working in a larger community, one that allows me to expand my professional accomplishments, curiosity,” Khumalo told Watertown officials during a public interview. Khumalo leaving would be a shakeup Hopkinton does not need at this time.

7. Fruit Street bridge closing — As if it wasn’t enough to have Main Street ripped up for part of the year, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation closed the northern end of Fruit Street to rebuild the bridge there as it works on the Interstate 90/Interstate 495 interchange. The bridge closed in February and is scheduled to reopen early next year.

6. Election conspiracy theorists — As if Town Clerk Connor Degan didn’t have enough to worry about, he’s got to deal with people — primarily from out of state — barraging him with records requests and threatening litigation because they’ve been brainwashed to think elections are being stolen.“It’s a concentrated effort to try to see if they can inundate election offices and harass election officials, unfortunately,” Degan said.

Positivity break — We interrupt this column to highlight some positive moments from the past year: The Boston Marathon returned to its normal April schedule and went off without a hitch, Altaeros Energy is working on a tax increment financing agreement to relocate

This bull has been wandering around Ash Street since the summer. The town was working on a plan to catch it.

Year in Review: Bull to backups

its headquarters to South Street, Alltown Fresh opened a sparkling new market/gas station on West Main Street, Town Meeting approved a TIF with Lykan Bioscience for the company to expand its South Street facilities, Hopkinton High School boys soccer reached the Division 2 state championship game and Hopkinton’s Sean Farrell starred for Team USA hockey in the Winter Olympics.

5. Frankland Road solar Neighbors who had been fighting the development in the former Liberty Mutual-owned forest were devastated when Agilitas Energy bought the property from Seaboard Solar and went to work clearing trees for a 5.8-megawatt solar array. “They ripped the heart out of the forest,” said resident Ann Karnofsky, who had pushed for the town to purchase the land and save it.

4. COVID — Remember when COVID was a really big thing? Some would say it still is. You can decide for yourself when there’s another inevitable surge in cases. On the positive side, there have been far fewer fatalities. In the meantime, the Health Department is offering weekly vaccine clinics for COVID and the flu and turning its attention to other issues, like PFAS.

3. Police staffing — Chief Joseph Bennett appeared before the Select Board on Dec. 6 to ask for changes in rank structure, partly in an attempt to avoid having officers poached by other departments making better offers. The department had a high number of vacancies in the first half of the year and has been working to fill the spots with new hires. Meanwhile, Bennett has been operating without a deputy chief since John Porter was placed

on administrative leave in August pending an investigation, details of which have yet to emerge.

2. School Committee shakeup — In early March, two School Committee members suddenly resigned after taking flak for strategizing with a resident to build support for lifting the mask mandate and opposing a new school calendar that added additional holidays — actions that, while not illegal, rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. The School Committee soldiered on with three members until two new members joined after the May election.

1. The Main Street Corridor Project — There were some rough stretches (of time) due to some rough stretches (of road), especially during the summer. Detours have continued into December. Top questions and answers: When will construction end? Next October. Isn’t the road too narrow now? Yes. What are they doing about that? Widening it by a few feet. Is that enough? Probably not.

“I want to express my thanks to all community members for their patience and understanding as we finish up this project and make these changes,” said Khumalo.

Tales from a Townie: A bike ride around town, circa 1950

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

Iride off on my bike with a book to return to the library. I head up Pike Street to Church Street, passing Callanan Funeral Home on the left and St. John’s Church and Seymour Woods’ Funeral Home on the right before arriving at the library, on the right.

I give my book and 4 cents late charge to Ms. Marshall, the librarian.

I then ride down Main Street to Grove Street, having to wait for a J.C. Parmenter truck to go into its yard (where the CVS parking lot is now). Then it’s on past Thayer’s Express Co. at 15 Grove Street.

I almost forgot, I have to get my mother a loaf of bread, so I head left on Maple Street to McDonough’s neighborhood store at the corner of Hayden Rowe and Maple Street. I pay 21 cents for the bread and get to buy 4 cents worth of penny candy before taking the bread home.

I ride back out to Hayden Rowe and head in the direction of Milford.

At the corner of Hayden Rowe and Grove Street is Kenney’s Mobil Service Station on the right, and further right is the A.A. Clubhouse and the baseball and football fields (where the junior/senior high school would be built in 1954.

On the left, at 85 Hayden Rowe, is Irvine’s Jenny Gas Station and Hudson Car

Dealership (J.C. Parmenter is there now).

Two buildings later, at 89 Hayden Rowe, is the Honey Hill Chicken Farm, and at 95 is McIntire’s Car Repair Shop. Across the street at 98 is Terry’s Dairy Farm (where the Hopkinton Center for the Arts now resides).

Continuing my bike ride south, at 161 Hayden Rowe I pass Riddle’s Greenhouse (now Sunnyside Gardens). Across the street, at 158, is Colella’s Farm. Next, at 168, is the Grange Hall (now the Historical Society building).

At 188 Hayden Rowe is an electric appliance store on one side of the building and a small convenience store on the other. I prop my bicycle against the store wall and go inside to buy a bottle of Coke and a 5 cent bag of potato chips, which I put in my bike basket for later.

Next on my ride is Hughes Farm at 192, then Brown’s Farm (barns on both properties would be destroyed by fires later in the 1950s).

Next, at 213, is Bruno Pulnik’s greenhouse. At 229 is Club Leo (now Cornell’s). Last on Hayden Rowe, at 260, is Connelly’s Dairy Farm (later Connelly’s Red Bargain Barn, selling electrical appliances).

I take a left onto College Rock Road and go to College Rock to enjoy my chips and Coke. Then it’s back on the bike for the 3 mile ride home — most of it uphill.

Bill Gassett

Move guarantees that those who deserve coal this year will get it!

NORTH POLE — Santa Claus announced today that he has chosen Medway Oil & Propane as the exclusive resource for high-quality Reading Anthracite coal throughout the greater MetroWest region and eastern Worcester County.

According to one of Santa’s elves, it was very important that Santa chose a company he could count on this winter. “We were delighted that Santa chose us again this year,” said Jeffrey Mushnick, owner of Medway Oil & Propane. “We have coal that is quite suitable for keeping people warm this winter — and also for filling stockings and decorating snowmen! We offer the best quality coal in the region.”

Even the Naughty Will Get Something!

In a telephone interview this week, Santa Claus elaborated further on his decision. “We know that Medway Oil & Propane has been offering high-quality Reading Anthracite coal to their customers since 1954,” said Santa. “It was natural for me to select the region’s best coal supplier to handle all of the MetroWest requests we get for a lump of coal.” Based on Santa’s happiness with Medway Oil & Propane, the “naughty and nice” will want to consider them for coal, fuel oil and propane service.

FREE 100 Pounds of Coal and One Pound for Stockings!

Homeowners who heat with coal are invited to receive a FREE 100-pound bag of coal with any coal delivery before January 31, 2023. Call (508) 533-6561 or 1-800-649-5949. Anyone wanting a few free lumps of coal for stocking stuffers should call for details. Santa hastily ended his press conference to return to his shop in preparation for visiting the MetroWest area later this month.

Regional call center proposal sparks opposition

NEWS BRIEFS

With local emergency personnel speaking out against the proposal for a regional emergency communications center (RECC), plans were made for an information session before the Select Board makes a decision on whether or not to proceed.

As part of the proposal, Hopkinton would join with Southborough, Westborough and Grafton to share emergency call center staff. The other three towns continue to discuss the issue as well.

During the public comment portion of the Dec. 6 Select Board meeting, a letter was read from Gregg DeBoer, who is president of the Hopkinton police union, Local 254. DeBoer questioned whether it would make sense to have a dispatcher in another town — who likely would not be as familiar with Hopkinton — attempting to direct local emergency personnel, and whether there could be delays answering calls because of the wider area of coverage.

“The partnership between Hopkinton Police officers and the communications center has created a safe environment for its officers and the Town of Hopkinton as a whole,” DeBoer’s letter reads. “Our dispatchers’ dedication to Hopkinton’s police officers and firefighters is second to none. Maintaining a dedicated communications department in Hopkinton will continue to allow our team to continue to provide you with the best level of service possible. Would there be cost savings [with an RECC]? Possibly. But my question is, at what cost?”

Town Manager Norman Khumalo said he appreciated the comments from the public.

“We are taking them seriously, respectfully,” he said.

Khumalo noted that an inter-municipal agreement (IMA) can be signed by the Select Board without Town Meeting approval. However, he noted that if an agreement was reached, “depending on

the governance structure that is established, a Town Meeting vote may be required.”

Select Board members raised questions about the proposal and the logistics, with plans to address the concerns in more detailed fashion at the information session, which will be scheduled for January.

Khumalo said he was going to set up a webpage and dedicated email address for the topic.

Former Hopkinton Police Officer Pat O’Brien encouraged the board to take its time and not succumb to pressure from the other towns to make a rushed decision.

“It’s going to affect this town for many, many years to come,” he said.

Police chief gets support for change in rank structure

Police Chief Joseph Bennett appeared before the Select Board and requested additional higher-ranking positions within the department — not new hires, but changes to the rank structure.

Bennett requested two sergeant promotions in 60 days, a lieutenant promotion in 145 days, and another sergeant promotion in 145 days.

The board voiced support for Bennett’s proposal, which did not require a vote at this time.

One of the new promotions would be an individual assigned to special projects. Another would be one of the school resource officers. “We need someone of rank daily there [in the schools],” he said.

Bennett noted the challenges many departments are having with hiring and retaining personnel and said this would help in that regard.

“We need to build an organization where the police officers see that there’s opportunity, and it’s not just linear,” Bennett said. “That goes to

Resident Kim Clark (left) and an anonymous woman in a dinosaur costume hold signs at the corner of Main Street and Grove Street on Dec. 4 opposing a proposal that the town combine its emergency dispatch services with a group of area towns.

Police chief gets support for change in rank structure

building a team. … It’s built from the bottom up, it offers opportunities for advancement, it safeguards the highrisk jobs and it gets things done.”

While there would be an increase in costs, Bennett said it would not require additional budget requests.

Bennett has been working without a deputy chief since John Porter was placed on administrative leave in August pending an investigation. Bennett indicated the situation remains “unresolved,” and while these rank structures would not take immediate effect, in the long run it would allow more individuals to share administrative and supervisory responsibilities that he currently handles.

“This plan builds in additional resiliency,” he said.

On a related note, Bennett said officers have agreed to start donning body-worn cameras.

“We are confident that it’s going to exonerate more than cause any problems,” he said. “These officers we have are tremendous and they’re out there doing good work every day. And when someone says that they did something, we’re going to be able to document exactly what happened. But that’s a huge undertaking. That’s a lot of man hours to manage once we get it in.”

New police, fire personnel introduced

At the Dec. 6 Select Board meeting, one new police officer and two firefighters were introduced to the community.

Augusto Diaz Jr. is the town’s newest police officer. He said he was informed that he would be the town’s first Latino officer.

Diaz has worked as a project manager for the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University since 2013, and he served as a police officer/security safety aide at UMass Medical School for two years, until March of this year. He was trained at the Boylston Police Academy in 2021.

“I think that I can bring my experience and my knowledge not only of being a person of color but working with other people of color as well to the Town of Hopkinton,” he said.

Bennett said Diaz was encouraged to apply by friends he has working here.

“He was sought out by department members,” Bennett said. “They’re building their team, they’re finding their peers. And they really did a good job in Augusto.”

At the Fire Department, Matt Berge, who has experience serving in the Navy, comes to Hopkinton after working as a firefighter/paramedic in Hopedale. Fellow new hire Tyla Doolin had been working for the Holliston Fire Department. …

The board paid tribute to Fran Clark, who last month retired after 39 years working for the Fire Department. “He served the community well,” Fire Chief Bill Miller said.

Added Khumalo: “Personally I will miss his leadership, his camaraderie and the passion that he brought to the specialties [such as the dive team].” …

Robert Klocek and Josh Jones were appointed to fill vacant positions on the Youth Commission. …

Christine Lambert was appointed to fill an open seat on the Personnel Committee.

CPC hears proposal for cricket pitch

The Community Preservation Committee at its Dec. 8 meeting reviewed several applications under consideration for fiscal year 2024 funding via the Community Preservation Act, with the proposal for a $706,000 cricket pitch at Pyne Field generating the most discussion and support.

Under the Community Preservation Act, at least 10 percent of the funding raised must be allocated among three categories — open space, historic preservation and affordable housing, according to the state website. The remaining 70 percent can be allocated to any of these categories, as well as recreation.

“In the past four years or so, cricket has been an emerging recreational activity among a lot of the new residents in town,” explained Parks & Rec Director Jay Guelfi. Some cricket enthusiasts have been playing at the field on Fruit Street, and Guelfi referred to them as “outstanding partners with Parks & Rec.”

Guelfi described the skyrocketing

popularity of cricket in town as being “like basketball in Indiana, where it’s less of a sport and more of a religion.” He also compared the interest in cricket here to lacrosse 25 years ago and to pickleball in more recent times.

“We really need a home for cricket in Hopkinton,” he stressed. “We’ve kind of committed to the cricket folks that we want to find a home for them.”

Gale Associates completed a preliminary design review, and Pyne Field could be reconfigured to accommodate a cricket pitch as well as a baseball field, Guelfi said. Currently, baseball and softball are played at the site.

Misc.: Budget planning, listening sessions continue

Regarding the town’s fiscal year 2024 budget, Khumalo told the Select Board on Dec. 6 that listening sessions and planning continue — although no residents showed up to the most recent listening session at the Senior Center.

“I’m working with the finance team to deliver a balanced budget for presentation to the Select Board in January,” Khumalo

said. “We’re still working to close the budget gaps, which is about $1 million, as we develop the operating budget. I’m also looking closely at potential sources of funds and budget requests to develop options for addressing that shortfall.”

Khumalo noted that the five-year capital plan shows a list of potential needs totaling nearly $300 million — and none of those projects have been put forward for a vote at Town Meeting — so his staff is keeping that in mind as it works on the upcoming year’s budget.

“In considering the FY 2024 budget it is essential that we keep in mind this colossal, bold wave of potential funding entering our planning horizon,” he said. …

Updating the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority connection project, Khumalo said town officials will be meeting with counterparts from Southborough to discuss a letter of intent. “What we’ve heard from Southborough is that they’ve already worked out a framework in terms of what they would be looking for, and they want to convey that to us,” he said. ...

Regarding PFAS in the town water, Khumalo told the board: “Our numbers are not getting any better.”

Leon’s Way, Hopkinton 100%

Ash Street, Hopkinton 123%

Bridle Path, Hopkinton 106%

Smith Road, Hopkinton 119%

Whitney Street, Northborough 107%

Falcon Ridge Dr, Hopkinton 110%

Elizabeth Road, Hopkinton 112%

Commonwealth Avenue, Hopkinton 101%

Lyford Road, Hopkinton 99%

Cole Drive, Hopkinton 98%

Backriver Road, Hingham

HHS composting program boosts awareness for town-wide options

istic” and “doable” way to get involved helping the community.

“With the climate crisis being passed down to our generation to solve, now more than ever it’s crucial to instill sustainability habits into our communities,” Potapov said.

Daga explained that the trio sought guidance from Assistant Principal Laura Theis and Building and Grounds Director Timothy Persson and began to work with Black Earth Compost, a local company.

Black Earth collects food scraps and transports them to its facility. There the material is mixed, turned and screened while it decomposes, producing a nutrient-rich soil additive.

In July, the students took their proposal to the School Committee, which approved annual funding totaling $5,000 for the program. The district signed a contract with the company and now has pickups once per week, on Wednesdays.

The trio created informational materials about the kinds of waste that can be discarded in composting bins and those that cannot, and they got the word out to peers through posters, social media and the weekly school memo.

Volunteers from the National Honor Society monitor the bins through the four lunch shifts that run for about 1 1/2 hours.

Initially, the bins were used only once per week, but that practice has expanded to include all weekdays.

Although the students do not have data from Black Earth Compost about the amounts collected so far, Potapov acknowledges, “It’s difficult to get hundreds to create a habit.” The effort is growing “slowly and surely,” she said, as students reach out to their friends and families and spread information.

“We’re conscious of the fact that building habits takes time,” Potapov said.

The students hope to expand the program to include kitchen staff as well, noting waste is produced as food is prepared. They also would like to see the effort extend to the elementary school level, noting if new habits are ingrained at an earlier age, it will be easier to get kids at the middle and high schools on board.

As a member of the town’s Sustainable Green Committee (SGC), Potapov and other board members are in the beginning stages of working to understand the feasibility of Hopkinton offering a town-wide collection, similar to trash

and recycling pickup.

The students are doing their part to lead the way.

“As of right now, our priority is informing all households of our efforts and making sure that parents and children alike know what happens to their waste once it leaves their home,” Ehsan said.

Sustainable Green Committee member Kathy Yang said her high school-aged child encouraged her to begin home composting about two years ago.

“I was reluctant to do so initially as I felt it is a big hassle,” Yang shared. “My child lectured me and trained me to put the right stuff into the right bins.”

She added that her interest in sustainability was sparked and led her to joining the SGC in June and work on outreach activities along with other members.

“Our young people are leading us to act more responsibly,” Yang stated.

According to SGC member Christine Coffman, choices in Hopkinton include home composting or going through a private service (Black Earth) that conducts a town-wide pickup on Wednesdays.

Coffman said she personally uses this service, and it has reduced trash by as much as 50 percent.

Daga noted about 200 households in town currently use Black Earth’s services, and she hopes other homes decide to build on their efforts.

Coffman added the HHS composting program is “fantastic,” pointing out that food waste represents a huge portion of what goes into the town’s waste stream. “It doesn’t have to be,” she said. “We need to start somewhere as a town, and I’m delighted that this is a student-led, administration-supported initiative.”

Added Coffman, “The schools represent a significant opportunity to change behavior and teach all ages how to be better stewards of the earth.”

According to the Sustainable Green Committee, the pickup fee gets reduced as more residents adopt the services. SGC members point out that Cambridge uses compost pickup as part of its sanitation services while towns like Westborough provide communal bins where residents can take their food scraps.

More information for community members can be found at HopGreen. org. The site includes links to sign up for Black Earth Compost service as well as information on do-it-yourself composting.

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 Toby, a 5-year-old Rottweiler.

Here is Baypath’s description of Toby: “Toby is a handsome man, looking for a home with Rottie experience! This handsome gentleman is looking to relax and soak up all the love in an adult-only dog-only household. He is SUPER smart and loves to do training! Sit, paw, touch, he knows it all! No food puzzle has yet to stump him! He loves to go on walks and explore his environments. He is also always ready for chin scratches and rubs!”

For more information on Toby 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.

Residents recognized as Super Lawyers

Hopkinton residents Joseph Baldiga and David Fine , both attorneys at Mirick O’Connell, recently were selected to the 2022 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Each year, no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

Baldiga is a partner and chair of the Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy and Reorganization Group at Mirick O’Connell. Baldiga concentrates his practice on creditor and debtor rights, bankruptcy proceedings, out-of-court loan restructurings, and the purchase and sale of distressed businesses.

Fine is a partner and chair of the Construction Law Group at Mirick O’Connell. He represents and counsels clients in the construction industry, including commercial, institutional and residential owners and developers, general contractors, construction managers, specialty subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers.

Melange Gala raises $1.1 million

Milford Regional Medical Center’s Mélange 2022 Gala and Live Auction — “A Lifeline to Our Future” — raised a record-breaking $1.1 million this year. The Nov. 5 fundraiser returned to an in-person occasion and took place at the Willows in Medway. The event was sponsored by Salmon Health & Retirement and attended by more than 400 Milford-area businesses and community leaders, sponsors, friends and supporters of the hospital.

Since 2005, the Mélange Gala has been raising funds for the most crucial needs of the hospital. This year’s much anticipated in-person benefit was chaired by Anthony and Susan Consigli

“It was truly amazing for Susan and I to experience the community coming together to support Milford Regional in such a big way,” said Anthony Consigli. “Raising a record-breaking $1.1 million is a testament to our community’s collective generosity and dedication to our community hospital, which continues to play such a vital role in the lives of so many.”

MRMC resumes

childbirth classes

Milford Regional Medical Center recently announced that in-person and virtual childbirth education classes once again will be offered to expectant parents beginning in January.

Each session will walk parents through the last weeks of pregnancy, discussing discomfort, exercise and nutrition. Sessions also will focus on birth plan options, stages of labor, comfort measures during labor, cesarean births, immediate postpartum, newborn care and much more.

Participants do not have to be delivering at Milford Regional to participate in these classes. It is recommended that participants register no later than their 36th week. For details and registration information, visit milfordregional.org.

MRMC also is sponsoring a variety of wellness programs for the public this winter. The programs will be held virtually. Visit milfordregional.org for details.

Town jigsaw puzzle competition proves popular

By Sidhi Dhanda Contributing Writer

Within an hour of registration opening, spots for Hopkinton’s inaugural “It’s a Puzzler” competition sold out. Five more sports were added, and the event quickly sold out again.

It’s a Puzzler is a team jigsaw puzzle competition. Teams of between two and five individuals will strive to complete their version of the same 500-piece puzzle. The team that finishes first will win a prize. The event will take place at the Senior Center on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 2-5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

“It is just a nice, different activity. It is not a team sport, or video game, but it is engaging and fun, and it is competitive,” Parks & Recreation Director Jay Guelfi said.

This year, Parks & Rec set out to create programs that would engage older citizens in town. The department runs many programs for children and young adults.

“We don’t have a lot of programs for older folks in town, so we wanted to create some,” Guelfi said.

Looking for ideas, a Parks & Rec staffer saw that the Medway Parks & Recreation Department held jigsaw puzzle competitions. Program coordinator Jenny Hart and Guelfi started searching the internet to get a better sense of what these events were like.

“There are national competitions and worldwide competitions. People have special T-shirts made, they practice and it looks like a lot of fun,” Hart said.

— Senior

Center

Assistant Director Jessica Migneault

Parks & Rec reached out to the Senior Center and began planning the event. Organizers from both departments are puzzlers. Guelfi and his daughter enjoy completing puzzles around the holidays. At the Senior Center, there always is a puzzle in progress, and both the director and assistant director enjoy puzzles. This program marks the first time that Parks & Rec and the Senior Center have planned an event together.

“We wanted to make sure that we were kind of targeting people from all over town to really make it a community event,” Senior Center Assistant Director Jessica Migneault said.

Parks & Rec and the Senior Center are trying to create an intergenerational event. This is the first such event the Senior Center has been a part of since the pandemic. Parks & Rec and the Senior Center hoped to see teams made up of grandparents and grandchildren, families and friends.

“These types of events are just a really great way for people to kind of recognize and value each other,” Migneault said.

Parks & Rec and the Senior Center wanted to make this event accessible to all. To make registering for the compe-

tition easier, the Senior Center helped residents who were not as comfortable using the online system and took phone reservations.

“What’s been really great is seniors have been calling us to register and saying, ‘My team members include my daughter, my granddaughter, my neighbor,’ ” Migneault said.

Those without teammates were able to register as free agents. At the event, they will be able to join a team or form their own team with other individual registrants.

The event is affordable as well. The cost per team is $10, which will cover the cost of the puzzles.

For participants with a closet full of puzzles, a swap will take place as well. Individuals can bring puzzles they already have completed and take home different ones for a new challenge.

The organizers knew that there was some interest in the event, but they did not expect it to fill up so quickly.

“We’re pretty blown away with how popular this event is shaping up to date,” Migneault said.

Because of the enthusiasm for this event, another puzzle competition is being planned for the spring.

Lab of All Trades tackles all-sized projects for homeowners

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

“Since I was a kid, anytime I picked something up I wanted to take it apart, fix it and put it back together,” says Steve Labriola, the owner of Lab of All Trades. “My relatives began to hand me their broken toasters, microwaves and blenders and ask, ‘Can you look at this while you’re here?’ ” About 1 1/2 years ago, Labriola finally decided to take this innate knack for repairs to a professional level by establishing a local handyman business.

For 17 years, Labriola owned and operated a business that serviced large check processing machines for banks. He also has experience as a finish carpenter. Most recently, Labriola worked in property management. “In that role, I always found myself in the shop with the maintenance guys to see what they were working on. I was compelled to head down there and pick up tools,” Labriola says. “One day my supervisor said, ‘You know, you don’t have to spend so much time down in maintenance; you should be up in the office with your staff.’ ”

“I kept saying to my wife, ‘I don’t know if a desk job is really for me,’ ” Labriola recalls, “and she kept saying, ‘You really should do what you love.’ ” And so he did.

Lab of All Trades offers a wide range of handyman services, from smaller jobs like installing a light fixture, TV or appliance, to larger jobs like a kitchen remodel, deck installation or shed construction. People might be reluctant to call for minor work, Labriola notes, but his motto is, “There’s no job too small.” He has a regular client, for example, who will hire Labriola to hang pictures. “If you’re uncomfortable doing it, just reach out,” he tells customers.

Lab of All Trades’ commitment to following up and following through distinguishes it from other companies, Labriola says. “I am surprised by the number of people who thank me for simply calling back,” he adds.

For Labriola, it’s not just about customer service — he’s a bona fide people person. “I love people,” Labriola explains. “Meeting new customers in my town and surrounding towns is very exciting.”

Now based in Upton, Labriola lived in Hopkinton for 17 years and raised two children in town. “The school system in Hopkinton was amazing, and both my kids have done really well,” he says, “and I would say it stems from their foundation in Hopkinton.” Labriola has completed several jobs in town, including work on a pool house, deck and custom bar.

Paired with the satisfaction he gets from repairing things, Labriola says “happy customers” make his work that much more enjoyable. “I love to see people happy,” he says.

To view past projects and learn more, visit labofalltrades.com, call 508-377-2137 or email steve@ labofalltrades.com.

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Dynasty Restaurant set to close Jan. 21

Dynasty | from page 1

uncle, Tom Liang, in 1992. He ran it for 15 years, offering Chinese food based on family recipes. “We have always offered a modern interpretation of classic Chinese dishes,” said Liang.

When she and her husband took over the business 15 years ago, they added Japanese dishes and a sushi bar. “The sushi bar has been very popular,” said Liang.

Another big change during their ownership has been their location. After starting as a stand-alone business, Dynasty now is part of a mall that contains medical facilities, business offices, retail outlets and other food options. “That change was very good for us,” said Liang. “It brought in more business.”

The COVID-19 pandemic also caused some change. Like many small businesses, the Dynasty had to close during the early months of the pandemic. When it reopened, it had to drop its buffet, a very popular part of the business. The restaurant currently offers eat-in dining, takeout food and catering. The lounge also is open. Noting that although business has come back, Liang said the pandemic and all its impacts have made the work “tougher and tougher.”

She said the restaurant originally was going to close this month, but strong holiday bookings persuaded them to stay open until things quiet down in late January. “January is a better time to close,” said Liang. “We are too busy in December.”

Originally from Taiwan, the couple moved to the United States in 1988 and plan to retire here.

The Dynasty Restaurant and Lounge will close Jan. 21 after 30 years in Hopkinton.

Most of their family, including two sons, now call America home. After taking some time to rest from their very busy lives as restaurant owners, the couple plan to return to the workforce, but this time on a part-time basis. “We like to stay busy, just not this busy,” said Liang.

She said she will miss their customers, especially the many regulars who they got to know over the years. “People are shocked that we are closing,” said Liang. “I am sad to be retiring. I wish we were younger so we could continue.”

Liang said the best part of running Dynasty was getting to know the customers. “I had the chance to meet a lot of different people,” she said. “I enjoyed talking to them and getting to know them.”

Steve Labriola’s lifelong love of repair work led him to launch a handyman business.

Ways to give new life to old junk

As the holidays approach, your mind may turn toward getting rid of items no longer being used to make room for new gifts. Or you may decide to give your home a fresh look for the new year by cleaning out dated accessories.

A junk removal company is your best resource for removing unwanted furniture, mattresses and other items — all with no heavy lifting on your part. A worker can come to your home, and with the point of a finger, take away cumbersome items, disposing them in an environmentally responsible way.

As people downsize their homes or renovate them for the new year, this option may be an attractive way to conveniently clear out space. A junk removal company can help with basement and attic cleanouts, estate closings and other large-scale efforts. Workers then decide where to distribute the goods, such as donating them to a thrift store or local charity, taking the pressure off you during a stressful time.

For those who want to use some elbow grease or spend some time sorting through their stuff, a junk removal company can rent out dumpsters on a weekly basis. This allows for personal satisfaction, as you can see the fruits of your labor being hauled away safely.

When disposing of old goods, a

company that offers contactless pickup is a good option during these challenging times. A reputable company will offer several options for pickup of used goods, including curbside service.

Junk removal companies will work hard to make sure usable merchandise will find a proper home. One person’s trash could become another person’s treasure. They can bring furniture to a thrift store, allowing someone to give it a new home with a fresh coat of paint or a cover. Gently worn clothing and shoes may be perfect for a family living on a tight budget.

A local company will work with area businesses to see what can be repurposed to them. For example, old tools or gadgets can find new life in a repair shop because those parts may no longer be made.

Hiring a junk removal service is a great green alternative to dumping usable goods into a landfill. A conscientious company will offer to donate them to a charity or a thrift store free of charge. Some items that these stores find popular are older wooden pieces and kitchen items.

When it comes to the new rules about removal of old mattresses, a junk removal service can offer a lower-cost solution to a town fee. In addition to mattress removal, workers also will break down mattresses and box springs.

For more details, contact Jason Schadler at Affordable Junk Removal, 774-287-1133, or visit the website at affordablejunk.com. The business address is 163 Mendon Street, Bellingham, MA 02019.

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‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

This issue’s winner is Allison Ruggeri for this photo of her border collie, Gidget, enjoying fall shopping at Weston Nurseries. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo 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.

Professional insights

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Presents

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

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

All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at Bill’s Pizzeria.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Conservation Commission at its virtual meeting Dec. 6 continued to seek more information on two longstanding town projects, the Massachusetts Laborers Training property on 37 East Street and The Trails in what Chair Jeff Barnes called “a challenging meeting.”

The commission issued an ultimatum to Peter Bemis, the project engineer for The Trails, to supply the information that both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board have been requesting for several weeks by the close of business Dec. 8.

Laborers project insists on gas line through campus

Attorney George Connors represented the applicant for its three notice of intent hearings, with the gas line hearing spurring the most discussion and public comment over the course of an hour. At the start of the hearing, Barnes explained that Connors submitted new documents late that afternoon.

He also told Connors that the Department of Public Works (DPW) wrote to Conservation Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli, explaining that a winter moratorium on road excavation began on Nov. 15. Eversource did not request an extension, so excavation work cannot be performed on Clinton Street for the gas line until April.

Connors noted that the plans have “changed a little bit” since the last hearing on the pipeline. Adjustments were made to where the stream crossing had been proposed to make it smaller, and some of the staging areas were moved farther away from buffer areas, he said.

He added that a forester recently walked the site and identified 95 trees that need to be cut down, “not the thousand that was speculated at the last hearing.”

If the gas line were to go down Clinton Street to East Street, as commission members and residents discussed previously, it would cost roughly $1.7 million and require the removal of 15 trees on a scenic road.

Added Connors: “So our little stream crossing here is fairly small in terms of the impact versus $1.7 million. It’s no cost to the laborers because of the gas consumption.”

He explained that the applicant has met with Eversource to discuss the concerns raised by residents at the last meeting and the desire to connect with a gas line on Clinton Street. He said “they are trying to work out some sort of an agreement” that would allow abutters to connect to the proposed gas line.

Jay Sabatoni, the administrator for the New England Laborers Trust Fund that oversees the Mass. Laborers Trust Fund, said that the $1.7 million for a Clinton Street gas line would be cost prohibitive. Although he said the site is working to be a “good neighbor,” he cited his fiduciary responsibility as the fund overseer.

“The magnitude of this project cannot be understated,” he said of the $60 million campus expansion, noting that it should be done “as cost effectively as possible.”

“Hopefully we can come to some sort of compromise that makes this

plan work that benefits everyone,” said Sabatoni, noting that 45,000 members rely on the training center.

At that point, Barnes asked if Eversource would share the cost of running the gas line through East Street. Connors said that Eversource was not willing to do that because it is offsetting the cost of the gas that the laborers would use, which would be extensive. Laborers would be performing about $700,000 worth of work on the campus proper, he added.

Members continued to express concerns about a 25-foot-wide corridor being necessary to install the pipeline as well as a desire to see the gas line benefit the neighbors while preventing the cutting of trees.

Member Jim Ciriello asked if the $1.7 million cost could possibly be offset by an agreement with neighbors to connect to the gas line if it didn’t run through the campus.

Said Connors: “There certainly isn’t enough use for that to be offset.”

Member Ted Barker-Hook continued to ask that the width of the corridor be reduced as a compromise. Connors insisted that this would not work because of the machines involved, plus the storage of dirt, sand, pipe and materials.

Several neighbors said they were concerned about their property values decreasing as well as the environmental and wildlife disturbance.

Barnes said that the residents’ comments would be “contemplated by the commission,” along with the new information submitted by the applicant. The commission voted unanimously to continue the hearings until the next meeting on Dec. 20.

Commission loses patience with The Trails

The other major hearing regarded The Trails, a 55-and-over housing development located off Legacy Farms North Road. The project continues to cause consternation for commission members. Last year, fines were issued against The Trails because sediment ran into the Hopkinton Reservoir, impacting both Hopkinton and Ashland.

The commission has made repeated requests for more detailed information from Bemis, the project engineer. The applicant did not appear at the Planning Board’s meeting one night earlier, as that board was seeking more details as well. Bemis said the drawings had not been officially submitted to the commission yet.

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, Mr. Bemis,” said Barnes. “But at the last meeting, I think we made it very clear that the applications that have been submitted have been incomplete, and that we needed to have updated information to complete our review.”

Bemis replied that it was “a major undertaking” to compile data as well as to get a crew to assess the detention basin and potential impact on the lagoon system there.

Said Bemis: “You were also basically penalizing us [by] not releasing any additional units without information.”

Barnes replied that Bemis was given repeated clear direction on the information that the commission needs to complete the review. Bemis replied that the drawings were completed the

Gifts galore

Faith Community Church of Hopkinton, in coordination with Project Just Because, provided presents for 500 children this Christmas. On Dec. 5, representatives from the church loaded up the presents and took them to PJB’s facility on South Street, where they were to be distributed to 200 families in need. The project was completed in about one month, with members of the church signing up to sponsor a family by purchasing presents.

Commission loses patience with The Trails

day of the hearing, and the deadline was impacted by the holiday.

Bemis added that his bigger concern was that the commission had not taken into account “the 28-day construction season,” appearing visibly frustrated. He added that he is working with the

Town of Ashland and two different Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) districts.

At that point, Vin Gately, the owner and developer of The Trails, stepped in. He said that it has been about three months since any foundations were released by the commission, which has made the project “almost business threatening.” Twenty-five units have been sold but cannot be built, he explained.

Barnes noted that some of the responses were first requested from Bemis on Oct. 18.

“I think it’s unfair to put the onus on us for not allowing the new foundations to be built, Mr. Gately,” Barnes said. “I think you and Mr. Bemis need to have a conversation about why the information isn’t being provided.”

Added Barnes: “I’m very frustrated, I’ll be honest with you. … We want solutions. We don’t want to hear about

the problems anymore.”

The commission voted 6-1 that if Bemis could submit all the answers to Ciaramicoli by the close of business on Dec. 8, Ciaramicoli could decide to release two units at her discretion. Co-vice chair Kerry Reed voted against the measure. Also, Gately was asked to attend future meetings.

Ciaramicoli added that the $43,000 in fines from last year has not been paid to date.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Planning Board makes progress on Morse Lane, continues hearing

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Planning Board at its Dec.

7 meeting voted to continue the hearing on the Capobianco family subdivision on Morse Lane after nearly an hour of discussion to allow Principal Planner John Gelcich time to draft clearer language on the findings and conditions regarding the property for a vote at the next meeting on Dec. 19.

The applicant sought to remove a condition from a previous Planning Board approval made more than three decades ago that restricted the number of lots on the subdivision to four. The Capobianco family proposed to subdivide one lot to build a house on the road, which is located off Spring Street, close to Wood Street.

Board members weighed the precedent that voting to remove a previously approved condition would set against the desire of the applicant to create one more lot on the road to accommodate a family member’s home.

At the previous meeting, debate arose about whether the applicant would be willing to widen the private road. Attorney Timothy Nealon, who represented applicants Raymond and Anna Capobianco, said the applicants already had started work to clear the land around the road to make it 22 feet wide, bringing it closer to the town’s subdivision standard. In addition, almost 200 tons of gravel will be compacted to regrade the road. He noted that some brush and trees will need to be removed on the side of the road with a stone wall. No plans were submitted on the roadwork.

Chair Gary Trendel said that he appreciated the efforts to improve the road in a show of good faith. Nealon said he hoped that the approval would go forward with the condition that the improvements be made.

Member Fran DeYoung asked if the work would bring the road “up to code.” Gelcich explained that the work would bring the road “up to subdivision standards that are not up to code.”

Nealon countered that this was never intended to be a town road. It is a private way. He also stressed that both lots would exceed the area standards of the zoning district. It would not be financially feasible for the applicants to pave the road.

Member Paul Ostrander reminded the board that neighbors at a meeting last month were “fairly appreciative” of the work done on the road by the applicant.

However, member Rob Benson said that voting to remove a condition set by a previous board “doesn’t make sense to me.”

Member Ron Priefer said he “was torn” on the vote. Having a five-lot subdivision would require a paved road by the town’s subdivision standards, which he said was “an unfortunate reality.” On the other hand, if the neighbors are happy with the Capobiancos maintaining the road, he said that the paving requirement is “not fair.”

Debate continued about whether an approval would set a precedent that other developers could use. However, Ostrander noted that “times change” and no neighbors objected.

Gelcich said that a finding could be made that the road is sufficient for a fifth lot. He asked for time to refine the language and offered to take additional comments from board members in case changes needed to be made. If any additional lots were to be added, Trendel said that there should be a condition that the entire subdivision should be brought up to current subdivision standards.

Nealon agreed to the continuation until the next meeting on Dec. 19.

Hearing on The Trails continued again

The hearing on an open space mixed-use development (OSMUD) site plan for The Trails had to be continued again. Engineering consultant Peter Bemis did not attend the meeting. Gelcich explained that Bemis had reached out to Phil Paradis, the town’s consultant from BETA Engineering. However, Paradis told Gelcich he still had outstanding questions regarding the application that had not been addressed by Bemis.

In previous Planning Board and Conservation Commission meetings last month, more details had been requested of Bemis regarding watershed plans, riprap and a study by a hydrogeologist. …

Attorney Paul Alphen spoke on behalf of the applicant, Georgia Stone Industries, Inc., for an earth removal permit to allow the digging of Milford pink granite at the quarry on Lumber Street. He said he was before the board with the same request about two years before, and that permit was approved.

“The quarry has been in operation for decades,” Alphen explained. “It is the source of the unique Milford pink granite. It’s used in a variety of historic structures throughout the country.”

The board requested that an environmental impact assessment be done. Alphen said one hadn’t been done for “more than five years.”

Quarrying operations usually don’t start until February, Gelcich said. Solid stone would be removed. …

The board unanimously approved the lot release request by developer Roy MacDowell at 83 East Main Street for the open space mixed-use development (OSMUD) that would include replication of a historic house and three age-restricted condominiums. The site, part of the Village Center zoning subdistrict, is a small triangular plot at the corner of East Main Street and Legacy Farms Roads North, just west of Weston Nurseries.

A property owner who seeks to subdivide a lot on Morse Lane plans to improve the quality of the private road.

ScHoolS

Grade configurations, budget requests among School Committee topics

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

One of the pending decisions by the School Committee is whether to have a new Elmwood School cover Grades 2-3 or Grades 2-4.

A presentation on Dec. 1 included diagrams showing configurations until 2032. Projected enrollment for a twograde facility is 774 students, while a building housing three grades would accommodate 1,176 pupils.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh explained that many different configurations exist across the country, with the most common being K-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

Consultants Dove, Pearson and Hooper noted that any local decisions on the topic must consider transportation, size of school, goals, financial accountability and geography.

The superintendent said that no matter what configuration is chosen, the number of transitions between buildings will not change.

The estimated reimbursement by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is 46 percent. However, Cavanaugh said that with caps and exclusions, the true amount could be lower than 30 percent on a $100 million project.

She said that after Elmwood is renovated or replaced, Hopkins School as it exists today does not have the capacity, square footage and number of classes to house all the projected students. She said a self-funded project to add classrooms and larger common areas would cost $40 million.

Cavanaugh said substantial construction, also self-funded, would have to take place at the middle and high schools to accommodate the growth of 486 students.

The superintendent said that one advantage of the Grade 2-4 option would be the MSBA would share in the cost of an additional grade level.

A plan would be to remove Grade 4 from Hopkins and allow sixth-graders to join fifth-graders in a “lower middle school” setup.

“Grades 2-3-4 presents a better fiscal opportunity than a 2-3 school for the community,” Cavanaugh said.

She noted that a site on Hayden Rowe Street would allow ample queuing lanes for parent and bus transportation. Studies show that it could mitigate the town’s traffic concerns.

Having Marathon and a new school on adjacent parcels would allow 31 buses to transport K-4 students, shortening the bus routes in distance and time, she said.

Currently, there are two fleets, one for Elmwood and one Hopkins/ Marathon, that have similar routes.

“Redundancy is costly and challenging for students on longer routes,” the superintendent said.

Having K-4 on the same schedule for specialists would be another advantage. She said architecturally, the building would be designed to use a “learning neighborhood” model so

kids ages 7-10 can feel like part of a smaller, school community.

Some other pluses of having sixthgraders included in a “lower middle school,” at Hopkins include giving them an opportunity for leadership roles, separating them from peer influence of eighth-graders and more access to play space.

Ultimately, Cavanaugh said, the community has to decide what is right for Hopkinton.

Budget presentations continue

In other business, three more building principals and the superintendent outlined their fiscal year 2024 budget proposals.

Marathon Principal Lauren Dubeau noted that the $4,464,600 budget request represents a 6.6 percent increase and reflects an additional classroom teacher request ($72,053). A corresponding .1 increase to a position ($26,777) would cover physical education, health, art and music associated with that additional classroom.

Another personnel request of $24,823 would be for a general education paraprofessional to support the first grade. Currently, there is a 1:100 ratio, with three paraprofessionals for 14 classes.

Dubeau said on the expenses side, Marathon has depleted supplies that were not used during the pandemic, and that budget totals $59,822.

She said the projected enrollment is 569 students in kindergarten and Grade 1.

Principal Anne Carver spoke about Elmwood School, noting a projected enrollment of 622. She said she was not seeking additional staffing, and expenses are consistent with last year.

At Hopkins School, Principal Vanessa Bilello cited an enrollment of 642 and projected numbers at 685. She said average class sizes are 23.4 in Grade 4 and 22.3 in Grade 5, and an additional two classrooms are anticipated.

Budget requests included 3.4 positions at $210,215. Professional staff (2.4) cost would be $172,927 while additions in related arts, wellness, library and general music would reflect the two additional classrooms’ needs in those disciplines.

Personnel additions would also include 1.0 paraprofessional and 1.0 math tutor.

She said expenses were up 29 percent for items like furniture, supplies, book shelves, etc. to set up the new classrooms.

Finally, the superintendent described a 20 percent ($808,386) increase, with salaries up by 30.6 percent, no new personnel added and expenses up by 13.8 percent. Cavanaugh said the new transportation contract and one new bus contributes to that hike, although some of the busing costs are offset by fees.

Cavanaugh said about 82 percent of the students — 3.342 students — take a bus to school.

‘Disconnect’ continues regarding proposed therapy services cuts

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Once again, the Dec. 1 School Committee meeting featured a public comment period when several speakers expressed concern about proposed reductions in occupational, physical and speech and language therapies.

It was followed by a presentation in which Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and Director of Student Services Karen Zaleski gave the data and scheduling information that led to the belief that cuts could be made while still preserving the quality of the services.

At issue is a budget proposal that would cut 0.8 from physical therapy staffing, 0.8 from occupational therapy and 0.5 from speech therapy.

Hopkinton Teachers Association

President Becky Abate challenged the data as “inaccurate” and said promises of no impact to students are “misleading.” She said that despite being given additional data and corrections by staff,

administrators continue to present the data in a way that doesn’t reflect service needs.

Abate said in a statement that the district administrators used information provided in September prior to additional students entering the system and being assessed for the level of services they need.

She said the time needed for staff to evaluate and test students, consult with other educators, hold meetings on student progress and make assessments was not factored into the data.

Zaleski said that was not the case at all. The tasks performed by therapists

outside of direct services to students were taken into consideration in the calculations, she said.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh noted in opening remarks that the district must be mindful of all the taxpayers in town and work with the Select Board to develop a responsible budget while still making a commitment to “put children at the center of all we do.”

Cavanaugh said she recognized it is not all about dollars and cents to the teachers and staff as well as parents in the audience because the cuts would affect colleagues, and emotions are involved.

She added that “civil dialogue” on the matter has been missing and she hoped to “open the door” to make that happen.

Cavanaugh said the numbers were derived by talking to team chairs and principals and there were no “hasty decisions” made, given that the process started in March.

Speaking earlier, HTA Vice President Jennifer Jordan urged the School Department to listen to the educators “when they tell you what they do, what they need and what will happen if reductions are made.”

She said administrators can’t ask fewer people to do more work and not expect there will be a negative effect on student progress.

Zaleski said that at no time was there a discussion about diminishing services. And she said it is a myth that special education (SPED) services are “understaffed.”

It also is untrue that there is a connection between a proposal to budget for a preschool director and SPED directors for K-4, Grades 6-12 and the proposed cuts to therapy services, she said.

Reducing hours for therapists is not designed to pay for the director positions, Zaleski said. She said that after three years of consulting services with different firms, the need for these directors was recommended for the betterment of students.

Zaleski reviewed a grid showing the gaps between how many hours were budgeted for services and how many were delivered. She said that even with the proposed cuts, there would be “wiggle room.”

Zaleski and Cavanaugh both emphasized that time for lunch, prep time, evaluations, meetings, testing, consulting and other tasks was included in the data they were showing.

“There are gaps in the schedules. … There’s opportunity and there’s room there,” Zaleski said.

She added that there are opportunities for students with special needs to gain skills in a variety of settings along with receiving that individual support.

“We’re not trying to hurt children. That’s never been our intent,” Zaleski said.

Compared with other similar districts, Cavanaugh noted, the case loads in Hopkinton are good. She also said she was concerned about the MCAS results among students with disabilities.

During the comment period, SEPAC Advisory Board member Erica Seekell identified herself as the proud parent of a child with disabilities and complex medical needs. She said the work the therapists do with her child is “vital,” describing how her child can run and play with her peers now, complete art projects and puzzles and continue to make gains in vocabulary enough to ask for snacks and books.

She expressed gratitude to the therapists, calling them her child’s “greatest cheerleaders.” Seekell added that the therapists keep her regularly updated via emails and check in when her child is sick and out of school, among other things.

Seekell said the personnel have empowered her child to “truly shine and exceed expectations” and questioned what kind of message it would send to the community if children with disabilities have their progress “impeded.”

She said it would seem like her child is not valued like the other children in school.

Zaleski said with the proposed reductions, it would be a matter of providing professional development and exploring other scheduling models in the future.

Local robotics teams take home honors at qualifiers

Hopkinton Middle School’s KryptoKnights took home top honors at the December Slapshot, a regional qualifier tournament for middle school and elementary school VEX IG robotics teams at Hopkinton High School on Dec. 3.

SCHOOLS

NOTEBOOK

The KryptoKnights won both the Excellence Award and the Teamwork Champion Award. Also representing HMS, a team called red flagZ won the Design Award.

Slapshot is an event where teams design, build and program robots to work independently and with an alliance partner to score points, explained Pat Allen, HMS robotics coach and event host.

“The competition included volunteers from the Hopkinton High School Hopkinetics robotics teams, parents and UMass Boston graduate students as teams practiced their interviewing skills while explaining how they built their robots,” Allen explained.

HMS has 116 students — spread among 19 teams — participating in robotics this year, Allen noted, indicating enrollment has grown steadily following a slight

dip after the COVID-19 pandemic. All 19 teams participated in the December tournament — along with other teams from Massachusetts and Rhode Island — looking to secure a spot in the VEX IQ Southern New England Region Championship next year. Those who advance from the regional can compete in the VEX World Championship.

The HMS program has earned four VEX World Championship awards, including two for STEM Research Project, one for Middle School Excellence and one for Division Build. …

Meanwhile, over in Framingham on the same weekend, Hopkinton High School’s robotics programs co-hosted a tournament featuring 45 teams, including nine from Hopkinton. Two teams from HHS won awards: Team 2602A won the Judges Award, while Team 2602H won the Excellence Award.

HHS Habitat Club

hosts

gingerbread fundraiser

The Hopkinton High School Habitat for Humanity Club is hosting a gingerbread house fundraising event on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the HHS cafeteria.

Admittance is $5 per person. Preregistration (by Dec. 15) is preferred but not required. Walk-in registrations are welcome, and gingerbread houses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

School Committee Vice Chair Amanda Fargiano asked Zaleski if she thought the staff levels would be sufficient in a few years’ time. While saying she believed so, Zaleski noted it is an annual budget process, and if changes are needed, she is not afraid to come back and ask.

School Committee member Jennifer Devlin said she appreciated the thorough data but still had a sense that there is a “disconnect” between the administrators’ information saying there are time gaps and folks on the job feeling something different based on the work they are doing.

School Committee member Holly Morand said that she is having a difficult time “bridging the gap” between the data presented and the very different views expressed in 48 emails and testimonials by parents and those on the job.

She said that the pandemic has escalated the mental and behavioral needs of students and it’s time to get together and “create a more integrative view of data.” Morand added she is always going to look at equity for the most vulnerable students.

There will be pizza, snacks and beverages for sale as well.

Check the Hopkinton Independent website for the link to online registration. For more information, email adaga@ hillers.org.

Local collegians keep busy

Hopkinton’s Sara Cahill was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Nu honor society at Holy Cross College in Worcester. Cahill is one of 34 inductees into the Jesuit honor society that was founded in 1915.

Alpha Sigma Nu encourages its members to a lifetime pursuit of intellectual development, deepening Ignatian spirituality, service to others and a commitment to the core principles of Jesuit education. …

Hopkinton’s Ben Leibowitz appeared in the Worcester State University Visual and Performing Arts Department’s production of “Psycho Beach Party” last month.

The play is a spoof on 1960s teenage beach movies. Performances were held Nov. 17-20 at the school’s Fuller Theater.

Leibowitz, a senior majoring in communications, played the role of Yo-Yo.

‘Disconnect’ continues regarding proposed therapy services cuts

Members of Hopkinton Middle School’s KryptoKnights robotics team show off the Excellence Award they won at the December Slapshot regional tournament held at Hopkinton High School.

SportS

HHS boys hoops has need for speed

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School boys basketball coach Tom Keane has a deep team this season — and that’s an especially good thing, because he wants the Hillers to hustle.

“We have got quite a few guys we are hoping to play this year, and we want to play with a good pace and get up and down the court,” Keane said. “Hopefully we are going to try to play fast and get a lot of guys in games.”

As was the case during last year’s 14-7 campaign, this year’s Hopkinton team is not especially big, and Keane said rebounding could be a challenge throughout the winter. He is hoping to counteract the relative lack of height with speed and athleticism.

“The biggest goal is to improve and to play a little bit faster,” he said. “We didn’t always play as fast as I wanted to last year.”

Keane also wants to see his team make strides on the glass, and he’ll be looking to a strong corps of veteran players to provide leadership on and off the court.

Senior forward Tommy Engel-Chatten is one player Keane is particularly excited about.

“I think he is going to have a great year,” the coach said. “He has developed and gotten better every single year. He has a great 3-point shot, and he is one of the most athletic kids I have had in a long time.”

Fellow seniors Nate Carson, Cole Deisenroth and Zach Hyman are additional key cogs for the Hillers. Keane described Carson as a strong defensive player and a “scrappy” player for Hopkinton off the bench. Deisenroth will help the Hillers on the glass as a sizable swingman and a “glue guy” who Keane said can do just about everything on the court.

As for Hyman, Keane said the shooting guard is a “hustle player.”

“He’s a scrappy, hard-nosed kid,” Keane said. “He shoots the 3 well and he is a leader in terms of team spirit, he gets the guys going all the time.”

Hopkinton also returns a pair of juniors this winter. Forward Sam Pantera came close to averaging a double-double a season ago and primarily plays on the interior. It will be up to point guard Jack Ianelli to set Hopkinton’s fast pace.

“He controls the tempo of the game,” Keane said. “He is a good driver and a good shooter.”

Keane is looking for significant contributions from the rest of the roster and the seven newcomers to the varsity level. Juniors Connor Cho and Anthony DeLuca are bigger forwards who come off the bench along with classmates Logan DelPonte and Drew Riesenberger.

In the sophomore class, Sam Dadagian is a skilled offensive player, Cooper Willadsen is a backup point guard and a strong shooter, and Mitch Simulus is a “super athlete who runs the floor really well,” Keane said.

“He really loves basketball,” the coach added.

Hopkinton’s season came to an end last year with a loss to Wellesley in the first round of the Division 1 state tournament, the first year in which the Hillers competed in the top bracket.

“We would have liked to have done better in the tournament, but overall I think we did a good job adjusting to being in D1,” Keane said. “Getting to the tournament is always a goal, and we have been lucky enough to do it almost every year since I took over in 2000. But we just want to get better every day.”

Breslin set to continue softball career at UConn

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

The first time Kaitlyn Breslin stepped on the campus at the University of Connecticut, she knew it was a place where she would want to continue her athletic career. It was the summer before her junior season, and the Hopkinton resident attended a softball camp at the school in Storrs, Connecticut.

“I just fell in love with it,” Breslin recalled. “The coaches and the culture the team has are just so amazing and the facilities are gorgeous.”

Now a senior at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, Breslin’s enthusiasm for the college was only heightened after the start of the official recruiting period in September 2021. UConn was one of several schools that reached out to her.

“I was definitely still looking at other schools after that camp,” she said. “But throughout the conversations I had over the phone and on Zoom with not only the UConn coaches but also the current players and their academic advisor, I had the feeling UConn was where I wanted to go.”

Breslin officially committed to the Huskies this fall, to the delight of her family and St. Mark’s softball coach Casey Bates.

“Kaitlyn is an incredibly talented softball player,

Tommy Engel-Chatten, shown shooting during a game last year, is poised for a breakout senior season, according to HHS coach Tom Keane.

Hopkinton’s Kaitlyn Breslin will head to UConn after a stellar career at St. Mark’s.

Junior captain Caroline Kane, shown during a preseason scrimmage vs. Natick on Dec. 5, returns

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School girls basketball fans will notice quite a few new faces on the floor this season. The team graduated six seniors who played the lion’s share of the minutes last winter. What this year’s team lacks in experience, so far it has made up in effort.

“We have a really nice group of kids and they are playing really hard,” coach Mike Greco said. “They are young, so I think the game is a little fast for us right now, but that will change as we get more experience. But they are a fun group to work with.”

The roster represents a turnover not only from last season, but from the last several seasons as some of the seniors who graduated in 2022 had been three- or four-year starters.

“We are trying to forge our own identity,” Greco said of this year’s team. “We need to figure out who we are as a group and adjust to the varsity pace and physicality. It’s still a challenge in the moment, but our goal is to try to get a little better every day.”

Hopkinton comes in off a season in which it advanced to the round of 32 in the state tournament. After knocking off Malden in the play-in game, the Hillers’ 2021-22 campaign came to an end with a buzzer-beating loss to Chelmsford.

Leading the way this year are junior captains Elena Davies and Caroline Kane. Davies played spot minutes for the Hillers last year and now is taking over the point guard role this winter. Kane is looking to bounce back after missing all of last

season due to an ACL injury.

“She provides a lot of leadership and toughness for us,” Greco said.

The team’s lone senior is Alexis Bruce.

“She has been with the program for four years, and we are looking to her for leadership and toughness underneath,” Greco said. “She does a good job blocking out.”

The team’s top hustle players are juniors Bethel Flanagan and Kate Finnegan.

“They sacrifice their body,” Greco said. “They lead the team in floor burns.”

Holly Paharik and Charlotte Holden are back with the program as sophomores. Paharik is a tough interior player whose leadership ability belies her age, Greco said, and Holden is a skilled ball handler. The Hillers also expect to receive contributions from sophomore Meghan Grady and freshmen Ashley McCann and Teagan Resteghini.

With a relatively undersized lineup, Greco said the Hillers are going to lean on their defense throughout the season.

“We are going to be a team that pressures, traps, tries to turn teams over and then gets out and runs the floor,” he said.

The biggest obstacle will be the growing pains that come with a lack of experience.

“I wish there was a shortcut, but a lot of that stuff you have to go through and experience, so our biggest goal is getting the game to slow down mentally,” Greco said. “I think there are times where our minds are going 1,000 miles per hour out there and the bodies can’t keep up, but it’s getting better as the games go on.”

Breslin set to continue softball career at UConn

and her list of accolades is a mile long, but her greatest contribution to St. Mark’s athletics has been her leadership,” Bates said. “Whether she is on the field, on the ice or in the weight room, she works hard, accepts feedback, supports her teammates and plays with immense joy.”

Breslin will bring all of those traits to a school known for its athletic prowess. She found herself immersed in the big-time, Division 1 atmosphere during her official visit to the school.

“It was so incredible,” she said. “Not only the environment of the softball team, but the entire school and how they view their athletic program.”

Breslin spent two days at UConn. She watched the softball team practice and spent time hanging out with the current players, getting a feel for the team’s culture. She attended a workout and a class with one of the team’s outfielders and toured the campus before attending the basketball teams’ “First Night” showcase. The national title-caliber hoops teams scrimmaged and showed off their skills in front of the entire campus.

“The entire school was there, and the environ-

ment was great,” Breslin said.

Breslin said she is not sure what she wants to study, but she is considering something in the business school, citing an economics class she is taking and enjoying at St. Mark’s. On the softball field, she is expected to bring some power to the UConn lineup and could fit in defensively either in the outfield or at first base.

Breslin had high praise for her family, who helped her through the recruiting process.

“They have been amazing, I could not have asked for anyone else to be so supportive,” she said of her parents Jennifer and Roger. “My mom and my dad were there not just during the recent process, but throughout my entire childhood. They drove me to games and my mom was my coach, so having her there has been amazing.”

She said her siblings, Jack and Kelsey, “could not be more happy” for her.

Breslin is in the midst of her final ice hockey season at St. Mark’s before turning her attention to one more high school softball campaign.

“It’s my last year playing, so I want to finish the season strong,” she said, “and have some fun.”

after missing all of last season with a torn ACL.

MacDonald heads to College Football Playoff with TCU

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

on Dec. 31, with the winner earning a spot in the Jan. 9 national championship game.

MacDonald is a scout team player, helping prepare the starters in practices. He said he also got the chance to practice with special teams but did not make any game appearances, although he dressed for all the home games and was told he would be making the trip to any and all postseason games.

ROUNDUP

Christian MacDonald , a walk-on wide receiver on the football team at Texas Christian University, was confident the Horned Frogs would have a strong 2022 season after a disappointing 2021. Little did he know how well things would go. TCU won its first 12 games and, despite an overtime loss in the Big 12 Championship Game, secured one of the coveted four spots in the College Football Playoff.

TCU plays No. 2 Michigan in the VRBO Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona,

The team made a change last year, bringing in Sonny Dykes to take over as head coach. Dykes, who previously coached for four seasons at Southern Methodist University, made an immediate impact.

“The whole team has just adapted so well,” MacDonald said. “It’s the perfect change for us.

Soccer champs

Hopkinton residents Sophia Recupero (left) and Nina Ciri hold the NEPSAC Class A girls soccer championship trophy after helping Buckingham Browne & Nichols capture the title on Nov. 20. The team went 19-0-1 — its second straight season without a loss — and had a goal differential of 69-5.

TCU football player Christian MacDonald poses with former Hopkinton High School classmates Davin Evans (left) and Drew Nealon as well as MacDonald’s father, Dick, following TCU’s double-overtime victory over Oklahoma State on Oct. 15.

SPORTS

MacDonald heads to College Football Playoff

Coach Dykes has done everything right, and that team has responded in such a great way.

“I think we all just thought the sky was the limit when Coach Dykes came here. We weren’t really sure exactly how good we could be, but the amount of work we put in in the winter and the spring with our new strength department was unbelievable. I think we all just had this quiet confidence about us. And especially with everyone doubting us in the Big 12, we always just had this chip on our shoulder, and we had this quiet confidence that we knew we could be really good.”

The Horned Frogs had a number of exciting victories this season, including a 43-40 win over then-No. 8 Oklahoma State in two overtimes on Oct. 15.

“We had a sold-out crowd, we went down early, then we took it in OT,” MacDonald recalled. “It was just unbelievable, fans stormed the field after. It was awesome.”

Making it even more special, MacDonald celebrated on the field with his father and a couple of Hopkinton High School classmates. Davin Evans also goes to TCU, and Drew Nealon, who attends James Madison, flew in for the game.

“It was awesome, it was pretty surreal to look at that picture [of the HHS classmates] after the game,” MacDonald said. “To just think the group of us came from Hopkinton and we’re here now, with one of the best teams in the country, it’s pretty amazing. It was a real cool experience.”

MacDonald said this TCU team reminds him of his group at HHS that

went 11-1 and was undefeated in the Tri-Valley League when he was a junior.

“Our team is just so connected,” the criminal justice major said of TCU. “Honestly, it feels like back with the Hillers, we were just all so connected on that team, it felt like a family, and this year we feel like such a brotherhood.

“I’m just so happy that I was able to experience the coaching change and experience such an amazing year. Its surreal that I’m able to be a part of a team that’s this good and connected. It’s such a blessing. I’m so happy to be able to be a part of it.”

D’Aloia shines for Colby

Other Hopkinton products enjoyed individual and/or team success this football season as well.

Luke D’Aloia appeared in all nine games at Colby College. A senior linebacker, D’Aloia ranked third on the team with 62 tackles, including 33 solo and eight for losses, and also recorded 1 1/2 sacks and an interception. The White Mules finished at 4-5.

Aidan Stewart was a member of the Ithaca College team that went 12-1 and reached the NCAA Division 3 national quarterfinals. A junior offensive lineman, Stewart saw action in four games for the Bombers, who won their first Liberty League title. Ithaca beat UMass-Dartmouth and Springfield in the NCAA playoffs before falling to No. 1 North Central. …

Sacred Heart senior defensive lineman Lucas Moynahan saw action in three games this season, making seven tackles, as the Pioneers posted a record of 6-4.

hillers thrillers

A junior in her third year with the varsity, Dellacioppa (top) is a veteran flyer and an integral part of both the competitive and sideline teams, according to coach Lauren Dellelo. After suffering a season-ending injury in November, Dellacioppa coached a teammate who took her spot and supported the team through the regionals. She showed “true dedication and compassion for her teammates,” Dellelo stated. “She is a true Hiller through and through!”

A local legend, Mackin has helped as a manager, coach, referee and more for HHS sports since the 1970s. “Scott quite simply represents everything that is great about Hiller Athletics and the Hopkinton community in general,” unified basketball coach Jay Golden shared.

“His may be the most recognizable face in town, and he has positively impacted the lives of countless students, teachers, and coaches over 40-plus years of coaching here at HHS.”

Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.

Check HopkintonIndependent.com for more about these amazing athletes

Sophia Dellacioppa Cheerleading Junior

Scott Mackin Unified Basketball Graduate

PHOTO/HHS CHEERLEADING

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Veterans Breakfast

Hopkinton veterans gathered for the Dec. 2 Veterans Breakfast and a lively discussion of past military events that happened in the early December time span. The “Frozen Chosin” was one of the key topics. Among those who participated in the breakfast and the military history discussion were (from left) Barry Rosenbloom (Army), who is “armed” to enjoy a Tootsie Roll in remembrance of the 1st Marine Division and its battle at the Chosin; Steve Whynot (Navy), holding an image of the Japanese battleship Nagato that was in the carrier force that received word from Tokyo to proceed with the attack on Pearl Harbor; Russ Ellsworth (Navy), preparing to enjoy a Tootsie Roll for the 1st Marine Division; Frank Bozyczko (Marines), showing the site where portable Treadway bridge segments were parachute-dropped and installed over a deep pass to facilitate the breakout from the Chosin; Bill Muench (Navy), standing near the Tootsie Roll poster (with samples made available by the Knights of Columbus); Jim Rose (Air Force), showing a vintage advertisement from the Tootsie Roll Company cheering “When The Boys Come Home”; Jacques LeDuc (Coast Guard) representing the breakout from the Chosin with a tank leading the way; and Bill Hamilton (Navy). The next Veterans Breakfast is scheduled for Jan. 6.

LIBRARY CORNER

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

Schedule update

The library will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

Author Talk: Nicole Eustace

Wednesday, Dec. 14, noon-1 p.m.

Individuals are invited to explore early American history during an online afternoon conversation with Pulitzer Prizewinning historian Nicole Eustace as she discusses her 2022 award-winning book “Covered With Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America.”

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome. This group will meet on the second and last Wednesdays of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Best Bike Rides in New England

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7-8 p.m.

Author David Sobel will give a presentation based on his new book, “Best Bike Rides in New England,” in this Zoom webinar. Sobel will reveal some of his favorite rides, discuss the variables he uses when designing a ride, explain how to design rides using online tools like Map My Ride or Strava, advocate for incorporating bike riding 3-5 times a week into personal wellness goals, and suggest a great ride in or around the community.

An Introduction to Hanukkah

Thursday, Dec. 15, 7-8 p.m.

Learn about Hanukkah — a fun-filled eight-day festival celebrated by people all

around the world who practice the Jewish faith — in this virtual presentation from the Lappin Foundation.

Winter Solstice Teen Craft

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 4-5 p.m.

Teens will craft a lovely cinnamonstamped ornament to give as the perfect gift or to keep to celebrate winter with the warm cinnamon aroma. This in-person craft is intended for teens, tweens and emerging adults.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, Dec. 29, 1-6 p.m.

Register on the Red Cross website at rcblood.org/3AmuYsP.

Winter Crafternoon

Thursday, Dec. 29, 2-3 p.m.

Attendees will make a window decoration to celebrate winter. First come, first served, while supplies last.

50-plus Job Seekers Networking Group

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Focusing on self-assessment and transferable skills, the Massachusetts Library Collaborative’s 50-plus Job Seekers Group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month via Zoom. Register on the library’s website calendar.

Friends of the Library annual meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6:30 p.m.

The annual meeting of Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be held in the Strong Room at the library. All members are invited to attend. The agenda will include the election of officers, approval of the dues structure and affirmation of regular business. The annual meeting will be followed by the January board meeting.

CALENDAR

St. John’s Christmas Concert Dec. 18

St. John the Evangelist Church and the Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band will present their 23rd annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m. Voluntary donations of new packaged underwear (all ages) and/or socks will be welcomed and given to Project Just Because. The public is welcome, including families and youngsters. For more information, visit stjohnhopkinton.com.

Active Bystander Training Jan. 15

A free public workshop focused on Active Bystander Training will be held Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The workshop, sponsored by the Hopkinton Freedom Team and Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, with support from Middlesex Savings Bank, is appropriate for ages 13 and older. It will be led by facilitators from True Story Training. For more information and to register, check the Freedom Team website (hopkintonfreedomteam.org).

Overdose/suicide gatekeeper training Jan. 27

Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) and Hopkinton Youth & Family Services present a virtual program titled “Intersections of Suicide and Opioid Use: A Gatekeeper Training” on Friday, Jan. 27, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The program will be led by Joanna Bridger, LICSW. Attendees will learn to recognize risk and protective factors as well as warning signs and discuss possible interventions to prevent suicide and refer people to appropriate resources for treatment. For more information and to register, visit the Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention Facebook page.

Knights of Columbus free throw contest Feb. 7

The annual Knights of Columbus free throw competition will be held Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Hopkinton High School after the HopkintonAshland varsity boys basketball game. All boys and girls ages 9-14 can participate regardless of disabilities. Trophies/medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category, and first-place winners advance to the district finals. Registration will begin in the high school gym at 7:30 p.m. (the HHS game starts at 7). The event is sponsored by Ashland/Hopkinton Bishop Rice Council 4822. For more information, visit bishopricekoc.org/events.

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, 508-497-9730.

December 18 | Noon and 4 p.m.

This beloved annual holiday treat will delight audiences of all ages! Under the direction of HCA Dance Director Jessica Wilson, the cast of 35+ dancers will transport you as they interpret Tchaikovsky’s memorable musical score. The running time of the show will be 8090 minutes. And as an added treat, Santa Claus will be on hand for a meet and greet after the show with cookies and cocoa! The Nutcracker will be performed at the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium (88 Hayden Rowe Street in Hopkinton).

New Years Eve Family Fun FREE

Event

December 31 | 4 to 6 p.m.

Families with little ones (and some adults) who can’t stay up until midnight are invited to ring in 2023 at the HCA! We will host a FREE drop-by indoor and outdoor event that includes a winter craft, wacky hair art, balloon twisting, a special ice sculpting demonstration, music, hot chocolate and a “decorate your own cookie” station. We will do a special 10-second countdown to 2023 at

5 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. and make as much noise as possible while we shout “Happy New Year!” Registration is requested for this free event to ensure we have adequate supplie. Thank you to our event sponsor Middlesex Savings Bank.

First Friday Open Mic with Feature Three At Home

January 6 | 8 to 10 p.m.

Calling all singers (and people who love to listen to people sing)! Open Mic is a great way for singers to put themselves in front of a very supportive and fun crowd and to learn by watching other singers. Socializing and sign-up start at 7:30 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. All ages welcome!

About Three At Home:

If Bruce Springsteen and Sara Bareilles formed a duo, put it through a Black Keys fuzz pedal, and added the blues and harmonies that made Fleetwood Mac famous, you would get Three At Home.

SENIOR SNIPPETS

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.

Schedule update

The Senior Center will be closed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, reopening Jan. 3.

Transportation for seniors

The Senior Center offers transportation to and from the center as well as local shopping Mondays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents. Those looking for transportation for medical appointments or essential shopping should call to learn about options at least three business days prior to the desired day of travel.

TED Talks Discussion Group

Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In 1984, TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation. Casual TED Talks group meetings are held either in-person or over Zoom every Monday for one hour. Attendees will view one of these videos and follow

with a discussion. The program is free. Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Art Appreciation: Celebrations and Holidays in Art

Thursday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.

Local art historian Jill Sanford will present a collection of festive images from medieval times to present day, offering a colorful backdrop to a discussion about artists’ creative ways of telling stories.

Virtual Travel to Lisbon Holiday Lights and Traditions

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1-2 p.m.

Participants will virtually walk together through the downtown of Lisbon to see the city’s beautiful Christmas lights while learning about local Portuguese Christmas traditions. Call the Senior Center for the link.

Hopkinton Physical Therapy Fall Safety Seminar

Thursday, Dec. 22, 1-2 p.m.

Members of the Hopkinton physical therapy team will talk about a variety of health topics related to reducing seniors’ fall risks, including vertigo, sore joints, balance and flexibility concerns. They will talk about ways to reduce fall and balance risk factors as individuals age. Advance registration is requested.

The Nutcracker Ballet

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.

Marie Colton

Marie E. (Demaso) Colton of Hopkinton, formerly of Roslindale, passed away Dec. 1 at the age of 81.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of James and Mary (Forgione) Demaso. She was a graduate of Hyde Park High School and, afterward, Boston Clerical. She soon entered the workforce and would eventually hold a 40-year career as an office manager with the Local 4 Heavy Equipment Operators Union. Marie loved life and never missed an opportunity to travel and explore everything life had to offer, taking pictures along the way to capture so many memories. Her warm and caring personality resulted in her making friends anywhere she went.

She was married for over 25 years to Lawrence J. Colton. The couple initially remained in her hometown of Roslindale before moving to Hopkinton, where they have been for the last 15 years, along with spending some winters in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Marie was active in the community and was a member of the Hopkinton Rotary Club and the Women’s Club. Marie was devoted to her family and her faith; she was a devout Catholic and cherished spending time with all her family. She also held a close-knit relationship with her group of friends from her first job at Woolworth’s. Meeting when still in their teens, this crew became known as the “Woolworth Girls,” and they kept a close relationship with each other for over 60 years. Marie also enjoyed skiing and was thrilled to have attended the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics. Marie will be lovingly remembered for her warm, caring and adventurous per-

sonality. To know her was to love her, and she will be missed by everyone who had the benefit of having her in their life.

She was the beloved wife of Lawrence J. Colton of Hopkinton, dear sister of James M. Demaso and wife Gail of Andover, and loving stepmother of Jonathan “Jon” Colton and wife Pamela of Kingston, Tennessee, and their children, Amanda Colton of Chicago and Matthew Colton of Kingston, Tennessee. She was the cherished aunt of Nicole M. Garuti and husband Steven and their son, Maxell, all of West Newbury, and Kristina Fowler and husband Jaime and their son, Tucker, all of Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania. She is also lovingly survived by many cousins.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107), Revere, on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. A funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at noon, followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Dorothy Randall

Dorothy Jeannette Randall, 95, of Hopkinton passed away Dec. 1 at the Reservoir Center for Health and Rehabilitation in Marlborough. Born in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late John and Bessie (Angell) Sables. She was a 1945 graduate of Hopkinton High School and a lifelong Hopkinton resident.

Dorothy was the wife of the late Everett A. Randall. She and her husband built the house in Hopkinton where they raised four children, Allen, Richard, Susan and James. She was loved by her children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Dorothy retired after working for more than 50 years to spend time visiting her family and enjoying crafts. She was usually seen walking in the neighborhood with a beloved pet.

Funeral services are being held privately under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 Fifth Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451 or heart. org/donate.

Robin Falcione

Robin M. Falcione, 71, of Framingham passed away at West Newton Health Care on Nov. 29 following complications from a long illness. She was born in Wareham on Sept. 30, 1951, to the late Robert and Dorothy (McDermott) Falcione.

Robin was a human resources specialist at the former Prime Computer and, for years prior to retirement, at MetroWest Medical Center, where she also ran a support group for multiple sclerosis patients and their caregivers. She was passionate about collecting antiques, especially the photo-art of Wallace Nutting. She also enjoyed dancing, the beach and the great outdoors.

Robin is survived by her daughter, Rachel Falcione, her grandchildren, Austin, Darrah, Makayleigh and Jayce, two great-grandchildren, her sisters, Linda Holbrook and Paula Berger, her brother, Robert Falcione (who recently retired as editor of HopNews), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by longtime love Al Carboni and lifelong friend Marilyn Capelle.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brother Charles Falcione. Family and friends honored and remembered Robin’s life by gathering for a prayer service in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, Framingham, on Dec. 7. Interment followed in Edgell Grove Cemetery.

Judy Folan

Judith “Judy” M. (Ferguson) Folan of Hopkinton, formerly a 40year resident of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, died at Milford Hospital on Dec. 2 after an illness.

Judy Ferguson was born in 1941 in Worcester, the oldest of seven children of Marie and Walter Ferguson, now deceased. She was born on the Fourth of July, with national celebrations occurring each year to mark both her birth and our national independence. Judy graduated from St Peter’s High School in Worcester. Subsequently, she earned an RN at St. Vincent’s Hospital, also in Worcester. She married John M. Folan of Norwood in 1968. He passed away in 2008 after their 50-year marriage. During that time, she and Jack fostered and subsequently adopted Roseanna Torres Folan. They later welcomed a granddaughter, Kathleen Pearson, to their lives.

Over the years, Judy worked in numerous hospitals and health concerns in Massachusetts and Maine, including Norwood Hospital, Maine Medical Center, and the State of Maine’s Department of Health and Welfare. Most recently, she worked for more than 30 years as a supervisor in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health’s Division of Nursing Care Facilities. In 2021, she moved from Pennsylvania back to her roots and her family in Massachusetts. She lived at Southgate of Shrewsbury and recently moved to Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton.

An avid historian, she belonged to the General Meade Society and the Delaware Valley Civil War Round Table, authoring articles for the monthly newsletter and earning the President’s Award in 2017. She loved travel and was devoted to her family. In describing her,

friends and family remark on her warmth, kindness, generosity, laughter and humor. “Sweet” and “sweetness” have been lifelong descriptions attributed to Judy.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Roseanna Folan, and her granddaughter, Kathleen Pearson of Tacoma, Washington. She has six surviving siblings, Geraldine Ryan of Middleborough; John and wife Kathleen Ferguson of Lithia, Florida; Jane Ferguson of Holden; Julianne Ferguson of Shrewsbury; Michael Ferguson and Michelle Hall of Rutland; and Elizabeth Nugent of Worcester. She also leaves surviving members of Jack’s extensive family, including Doris and Bob Mason of Andover; Judith Fox of Methuen; Lois Folan of Norwood; and Joanne Folan of Norwood. In addition, she leaves multiple nieces, nephews and godchildren, her beloved friends, Vernita Parris of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, and Raymond Parris of Bronx, New York, aides Lynn Whynot and Victorine Azah, and her niece, Nolene Ferguson, DNP, who provided care.

A private service open to family and close friends will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, at KrawKornack Funeral Home in Norwood, followed by a burial beside her beloved Jack in Highland Cemetery Norwood. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Tommy Wong

Tommy (Yit Wey) Wong, 89, of Framingham died peacefully on Dec. 3. Tommy never backed down from life’s challenges and was extremely hard-working and patient. He always had a smile on his face, and his motto was, “It’s OK, I’m OK.” Tommy was passionate about all Boston sports, and his five grandsons meant everything to him.

Tommy was born in Hong Kong in 1933. He left at a young age and lived in Canada for a number of years. From there he came to the United States, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958, reached the rank of specialist 4 and was honorably discharged in 1964. He worked his whole career in the hospitality business and spent many years as the co-owner of local restaurants.

He was the beloved husband of Min Hue Wong since 1969 and is survived by daughter Elana and her son, Nicolas, of Framingham; daughter Candice Pantera, her husband, Matthew, and their sons, Samuel, Benjamin, Nathaniel and Jack of Hopkinton; and son Christopher of Framingham. He is also survived by his brother, Jim, and his family. Tommy was brother-in-law to Win Lee Yang; Fu Mei Yang; Sumiko and (Skip) Sherwood; Chi Huei and (Ching Yuan) Tsai; Ken Yang; and Tony and (Tina) Yang, and he had many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Tommy’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Funeral arrangements were under the care of the Norton Funeral Home.

November 29

7:25 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Tyler Staback responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Whalen Road. No personal injuries were reported.

9:14 a.m. A caller reported a man possibly asleep in a vehicle while the vehicle was running on Pond Street. Officer Tyler Staback responded and checked the driver. All was OK.

10:53 a.m. A Chamberlain Street caller reported a dog on the loose on the Center Trail. The animal control officer was notified.

11:29 a.m. A caller reported a possible Homeland Security scam. No personal information was given to the scammer. Officer Tyler Staback gave advice on how to prevent future fraud.

11:40 a.m. An Elm Street caller reported an outside odor of natural gas. Officers Matthew Santoro and Tyler Staback responded along with the Fire Department.

12:14 p.m. A West Main Street caller requested to speak with an officer about an issue that a resident of the facility was having with a family member. Officer Tyler Staback responded and took a report.

12:33 p.m. Officer Tyler Staback spoke with victims of threats, and an investigation was underway.

3:10 p.m. A Wedgewood Drive resident reported jewelry was stolen from her house. Officer Basit Dennis was en route when the caller reported her husband found the jewelry.

3:43 p.m. An Autumn Ridge Drive caller reported a howling dog that sounded injured. Officer Basit Dennis responded and called the homeowner, who was to bring the dog indoors shortly.

4:59 p.m. Officers Cody Normandin and Basit Dennis responded to a motor vehicle crash on East Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

10:13 p.m. Officer Basit Dennis responded along with the Fire Department to Church Street for a report of the odor of natural gas.

November 30

11:17 a.m. A walk-in reported his son was involved in a crash down the street and struck a telephone pole. The car was not drivable. Nobody was injured. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.

5:04 p.m. A walk-in reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident that happened 10 minutes earlier. Officer Robert Ekross took a report.

5:13 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil notified the DPW of a fallen tree in the roadway of East Main Street.

5:30 p.m. A caller requested advice about a possible harassment order against someone who was contacting and messaging her. She was advised to call back if she wanted to speak with an officer.

5:41 p.m. A caller reported a large log hit his wife’s car on Legacy Farms North, and he requested the road hazard be removed. Officer Matthew LaTour responded.

8:06 p.m. A caller reported a fallen tree blocking both lanes of travel on Cedar Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with the DPW and the tree was removed.

8:39 p.m. An Apple Tree Hill Road resident reported an Apple watch was stolen from a package delivered to the house. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report.

10:51 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell down on Ash Street and was blocking a driveway. Officer Brennan Grimley responded and assisted.

December 1

2:47 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield checked on a person riding a scooter in the middle of the roadway on Whalen Road. The individual was advised to move along.

12:58 p.m. A caller reported someone hit her parked car on Lumber Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.

1:46 p.m. A walk-in with questions about harassment prevention orders spoke with Officer Nicholas Saletnik.

1:51 p.m. A caller reported an indoor natural gas leak on Church Street. Officers Matthew LaTour and Sean McKeon responded along with the Fire Department.

4:12 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a deer on Granite Street. Office Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.

5:09 p.m. A walk-in reported he struck a deer on Hayden Rowe Street near the high school. Officer Matthew LaTour took a report.

December 2

8:35 a.m. A Woodview Way resident reported Poland Springs water was stolen from her residence. Officer Tyler Staback responded and took a report.

10:34 a.m. A Pond Street caller reported a black mutt bit her wheaten terrier two days earlier and it sustained eye and throat injuries. The animal control officer was notified.

11:07 a.m. Officer Tyler Staback responded to the middle school on Hayden Rowe Street to meet with the vice principal.

2:01 p.m. A walk-in reported he purchased an item on Facebook Marketplace, but he never received the item from the seller. Sergeant Matthew McNeil took a report.

11:18 p.m. A caller reported kids with a pumpkin behind a Main Street business. Multiple reports of destruction of property in this area had been received. Officers Cody Normandin, Nicholas Saletnik and Alexander Stewart responded, and the youths confirmed they smashed a pumpkin. They cleaned it up and subsequently were picked up by an adult.

December 3

1:15 p.m. A walk-in reported his leashed dog was attacked by an unleashed dog at the Southborough Rod and Gun Club in Hopkinton on Nov. 29. The dog sustained numerous injuries and was treated by a veterinarian. The animal control officer was notified.

1:43 p.m. Officer Tyler Staback responded to a report of a vehicle that hit a stone wall on Pond Street. Damage to the vehicle and stones were reported. The DPW was notified. No personal injuries were reported.

4:15 p.m. A Woodview Way caller reported gunshots in the area. Officer Cody Normandin responded but was unable to locate any hunters.

5:20 p.m. A walk-in handed in a gold ring found at the middle school gym.

December 4

7:46 a.m. A Nicholas Road caller reported a squirrel in her house. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Tyler Staback responded and removed it.

1:19 p.m. A caller reported teenagers with BB guns shooting at animals on Walcott Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Tyler Staback responded. The teens were gone upon their arrival.

5:11 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious man attempting to get into a Main Street business. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Tyler Staback responded. The caller stated the individual left and had not returned.

7:35 p.m. A Connelly Hill Road resident reported her garage door opened on its own. Officers Matthew LaTour and Alexander Stewart responded and checked the area with a negative find.

December 5

8:22 a.m. A motorist reported an erratic operator on Main Street. Officers Cody Normandin and Tyler Staback responded and issued the operator a written warning.

11:16 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with no personal injuries on South Street. Officers Cody Normandin and Tyler Staback responded and assisted with paper exchange.

10:07 p.m. The North Attleborough Police Department requested assistance contacting a Hidden Brick Road resident. Officer Cody Normandin checked and reported the family no longer lives in Hopkinton.