HI 2.12.25 LAYOUT_WEB

Restaurant change coming on Main Street

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

Anew restaurant will be coming to Main Street this spring, replacing Central Public House, as 42 Main Street changes hands.

Dennis Wilson, the owner of Central Public House, is in the final stages of closing a deal with a group of buyers who intend to open a new Italian fusion restaurant.

While a closing date had not been determined yet, the goal is to hand over operations once Central Public House’s liquor license is transferred to the new owners. The Select Board approved the transfer at its meeting Feb. 4.

“It has to go to the state to approve the liquor transfer [next],” said Wilson. That process should take 4-6 weeks. Wilson anticipates the final transfer of ownership may happen sometime mid-March.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Conservation Commission at its meeting Jan. 28 approved the town’s proposed vegetative management plan in a 6-0 vote. Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed explained that she wanted to present additional information to show actions that will be taken to protect resource areas. The plan was first presented at the last meeting on Jan. 7, when the commission decided to take time to review it and vote at this meeting.

Consultant Stephanie Hanson explained that the five-year vegetative management plan (VMP) was completed to conform with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) regulations. A yearly operational plan (YOP) also was submitted to MDAR at its Jan. 24 hearing.

She explained that the proposed herbicides are “sensitive area

Dancers perform during the Hopkinton Chinese American Association’s Lunar New Year celebration Jan. 25 at Hopkinton High School.

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Planning Board approves articles for Town Meeting

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Planning Board at its meeting

TREE CARE

Jan. 27 approved the articles it will be placing on the Annual Town Meeting warrant in order to meet the submission deadline of Feb. 3.

Chair Rob Benson explained that putting the articles on the warrant for the May 5 ATM does not indicate the board’s support. Benson noted that there will be future public meetings to allow for discussion on the articles.

The proposed article that generated the most discussion was to rezone properties at the intersection of Hayward Street and South Street from residence lakefront to rural business. The language of this article was substantially similar to a 2023 citizens’ petition made by resident Peter Bemis as Article 29 for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting. Bemis withdrew it from consideration beforehand.

Bemis originally proposed the zoning change to allow Hopkinton resident Jim Marguerite to relocate the headquarters of Marguerite Concrete to that location, which currently is forested land. Marguerite’s current headquarters is in Hopedale. Five of the lots there would have been used for an office and employee parking, while two of the lots would have been preserved as open space. No concrete was proposed to be mixed there.

Benson said that while he could see people on the Zoom meeting appeared to be attending in response to this proposed article, public comment would not be taken because it was not advertised as a public hearing.

“We’re not really going to get into the discussion of its validity of whether we support that or not tonight,” he said.

Member Lucia Lopez asked if the parcels that were proposed to be donated to the town as open space

were listed in this article. Principal Planner John Gelcich responded that he did not have a plot plan that showed the specific parcels that are intended to be donated. Also, the details were not necessary to place the article on the warrant.

The board voted 5-1-2 to place the article on the warrant. Member Vikasith Pratty recused himself from voting because he is a direct abutter. Member Elise Mihajloski abstained, while Lopez voted no.

“We in general know the sentiment,” Benson said after the vote. “But this is more of a procedural thing tonight.”

The other articles approved were administrative placeholders. One article, approved in an 8-0 vote, would amend the definition of a veterinary clinic.

A second article, Gelcich explained, would amend the reference in Section 210-126.2 of the town bylaw that referred to duplexes. It was proposed to correct an incorrect reference number. It also passed 8-0.

An article modifying the language of the bylaw regarding accessory dwelling units was approved 8-0. It would bring the language in line with recently passed state legislation regarding the approval process for ADUs.

Gelcich explained that the state made ADUs allowed as of right in single family zoning districts across the state. Standards regarding maximum unit size and parking restrictions were included in the state law, which goes into effect Feb. 2. ADUs currently are allowed under special permit, he added. Under the state law, one would be allowed by right, while additional ADUs would be allowed under special permit.

An article that would modify the language of the town bylaw regarding floodplain districts to comply with state and federal requirements was

An article to rezone land at the corner of South Street and Hayward Street to rural business is set to appear on the Town Meeting warrant.

Planning Board approves articles for Town Meeting

approved to be added to the warrant in an 8-0 vote.

Board OK with Winter Street stone wall

In an unusual case, the board voted 9-0 that a stone wall at 61 Winter Street that was suspected of encroaching onto Open Space Preservation Commission land did not justify a scenic road violation. There was speculation that the wall also was in the right of way, which is under DPW jurisdiction.

Benson explained that Winter Street is a road that forms a loop around Lake Whitehall. At 61 Winter Street, there had been a stone wall that was damaged when a vehicle struck it last spring.

The property owner built a “more permanent” concrete wall to replace it, Benson said. The OSPC believes that the new wall extends into its land. At a recent OSPC meeting, the commission voted to have the land surveyed to determine how much of the wall may be encroaching on its land. OSPC chair Ed Harrow told the board that the survey had not yet been completed.

Gelcich explained that building a wall on a scenic road is not a violation. But “tearing down a wall within a scenic road is a violation.”

In this case, it was not clear where the town’s boundary marker had been placed. An old photo of the stone wall showed the boundary marker. Gelcich said this picture showed that the stone wall did not appear to be in the right

of way, although he could not make that determination for the board.

Said Gelcich: “This wall has issues that go beyond Planning Board.”

If the board voted that the wall was in the right of way or on OSPC land, Gelcich said the property owner would have to appear at a hearing before the board to justify how the current wall was built.

Harrow said that OSPC believes that the wall extends 15.5 feet onto its property. Fill placed behind the wall “is clearly on our property.”

The OSPC voted to have the alleged offending portion of the wall removed.

Benson said that because there are no clear pictures that determine where the historical markers had been placed, and due to the nature of why the wall was replaced, there was no definitive information that would prompt the Planning Board to justify a violation. The board agreed in a 9-0 vote.

Wilson Street stormwater discussion continued

A discussion on stormwater damage on Wilson Street was postponed because the parties involved had scheduling conflicts that prevented them discussing the issue before the Planning Board meeting.

Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed previously contended that stormwater runoff from The Trails development caused substantial damage to a portion of Wilson Street. The board was to discuss this issue at its meeting on Feb. 10.

Tales from a Townie: Turning 16

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

In the journey from childhood to independence, my 16th birthday was a giant stepping stone.

My friend Jackie’s birthday was two days before mine in August. He lived on a large farm with many acres of woods. When he was around 8 years old, his father purchase a World War II surplus Jeep, which Jackie learned to drive right away. There were many cart roads through the woods on the farm, over which he drove us for years. Therefore, when he turned 16, he was ready to get his driver’s license. He made an appointment on his birthday and successfully passed his driving test.

He got the use of his family’s 1954 Ford station wagon for three days. So, on my birthday, we packed our gear to climb Mount Monadnock.

The weather was really beautiful, and our plan was to get near our goal and camp out the first night, climb the mountain the second day, camp out again and return home the third day.

We were sitting in the car with the map of Massachusetts and New Hampshire ready to plan out our route. Jackie had climbed Mount Monadnock a couple of times, so we made our first “executive decision” as 16-year-olds to climb Mount Washington instead. Off we went. By mid-afternoon, we were in

the Mount Washington area, found a nice campsite near a stream and set up camp. After supper, it started getting dark, and out came the mosquitoes. We had heard that wild citronella smoke drove them away. We found some citronella bushes and loaded them on the fire. It smoked all around us — so thick that we couldn’t see each other 4 feet apart. Jackie said, “See, no mosquitoes.” However, we couldn’t breathe, either, so we went into the tent and went to bed.

The next morning dawned bright and clear. We broke camp and went to the parking area for the trail near the Cog Railway. We had a nice, easy climb up Mount Washington, spent a couple of hours on the summit and bought lunch there. It seemed you could see forever that day.

Descending the mountain was almost more difficult than climbing it. You had to be careful not to get going too fast, or you could fall down on the rocks.

We departed the area and found a different place to camp by another stream. Luckily, there was a breeze that night and no mosquitoes, so we could sit around the campfire and reflect on our adventure.

In the morning, we broke camp and had a leisurely drive back to Hopkinton. It was a great first experience going away from home with no adult supervision. Another step on our journey to independence.

Public safety makes ‘critical’ budget requests

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Select Board at its Feb. 4 meeting reviewed the fiscal year 2026 budget public safety requests, noting that some items that had not been approved in previous fiscal years’ budgets now are critical.

I think this is absolutely necessary to ensure our citizens that they’re being taken care of in emergency situations.

— Select Board vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere

Meaghan DeRaad, the Hopkinton Police Department’s communications director, spoke about the HPD’s “dire need” for funds to upgrade the radio infrastructure. This request has been made for four years, she said. It now is a “major safety concern for our responders and for the general public.”

“We have several areas in town where we can’t talk via radio to our responders,” she said.

There is a placeholder warrant article requesting $3.2 million, but that number will be finalized next week. DeRaad said the upgrade may be able to be completed over two years to lessen the financial impact. The radio system also serves the Department of Public Works.

“I think this is absolutely necessary to ensure our citizens that they’re being taken care of in emergency situations,” said vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere.

DeRaad added that it is necessary for her to have an assistant due to the increase in workload. She described working while she was out sick or on vacation to help the department. Town Manager Elaine Lazarus agreed that the position is necessary.

Added chair Brian Herr: “The department is the glue that pulls all the public safety together.”

HPD Chief Joseph Bennett explained that the majority of the department’s budget is for personnel, which is based on union contract negotiations. Step increases will raise the personnel budget by about 4.3%.

A major capital request is for three new hybrid police cruisers at $76,000 each, shared Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten. They are necessary because the department has added new officers.

Van Raalten noted that hybrids have caused “more problems” with maintenance than standard cars. Bennett added that while the HPD has committed itself to sustainability, the purchase of hybrid models is being discussed with his colleagues.

Hopkinton Fire Chief Gary Daugherty said the HFD is requesting $4,103,358 in its operations budget. While salaries comprise the bulk of that budget at nearly $3.4 million, Daugherty noted that this includes two years of step increases for firefighters.

He added that the older section of the Fire Station needs new circuit boards and electrical panels. The current ones have “a lot of rust and rot” affecting the circuit breakers. This necessitates a one-time cost of $5,300.

“I think it seems in line with what you’re trying to do,” said Herr.

On the capital side, a bathroom upgrade for the station’s living quarters was proposed. The current setup is from the station’s 1997 addition, and the only upgrade has been “a coat of paint” despite its being used for 24 hours every day.

Also, mechanical respiratory ventilators are needed for each of the ambulances at a total cost of $38,925. Some of the cost will be recovered through ambulance billing charges, Daugherty said, and the purchase will come out of the ambulance fund.

To trim budget requests, Daugherty said he did not ask for an additional fire prevention person. He had hoped this person would collaborate with the Board of Health. He noted that the two previous chiefs also sought funding for this position, but it never advanced.

Herr explained that many of the items termed “pay as you go” will come out of the free cash fund. This will not impact residents’ property taxes.

last week, which will help lessen the financial impact.

Other department presentations will follow in upcoming meetings.

Police sergeants promoted to lieutenant roles

The board voted unanimously to approve the promotion of HPD Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Sgt. Matthew McNeil to the rank of lieutenant.

“It’s a momentous day to be here,” Bennett said to a room packed with department and family members. He noted that these promotions continue to “build out the command staff” as the HPD reaches a full complement of officers.

One of the lieutenant positions opened when van Raalten was promoted to deputy chief in December. Bennett complimented van Raalten, O’Neil and McNeil for having “dug in and committed to the department,” particularly during the pandemic and while the department was understaffed.

Van Raalten noted that the two promotions create “distinct roles” of an administrative lieutenant and an operations lieutenant. The administrative lieutenant would handle duties including the supervision of detectives and school resource officers as well as maintaining the sex offender registry. The operations lieutenant will oversee the development and training of new patrol officers.

Added van Raalten: “For a department that is growing by leaps and bounds, I couldn’t be more happy to have them at our side to assist us in developing our new officers.”

Previously, the department had a lieutenant and a “top-step sergeant,” Bennett said. The second lieutenant is being funded with “unexpended funds from open prior positions.”

Board members expressed their approval. Member Shahidul Mannan called the promotions “a great next step for building that next level of leadership.”

Town Meeting articles reviewed

The board reviewed the articles it is submitting for the May 5 Annual Town Meeting. While two are recurring articles, the board is submitting four other articles, two of which focus on economic development.

One economic article is for a home rule petition to establish an economic development special reserve account. This would be funded with meals tax revenue. Member Joe Clark said the language will need to be fine-tuned after the revenue receipts come in from the first quarter of the year.

A related article proposed creating an office of economic development. Lazarus explained that a bylaw would have to be drafted. It would work with the proposed economic advisory board.

Vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere disagreed with the premise of “earmarking” revenue for a specific purpose. She said it should go into the general fund.

Member Amy Ritterbusch said designating that money for a department director was “a little premature” since there is no way to guarantee the funding.

Another article regarded the lease of the Center School to allow it to be used in a public-private partnership between the town and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Lazarus said the current budget gap now is at about $1.1 million. When the budget review process began two months ago, there was a $4 million shortfall. Departments were asked to whittle down their requests to items that are absolutely necessary. Local aid was included in the state budget released

The last article discussed proposed that residents with private wells perform voluntary well testing for PFAS. They would not be required to disclose their findings.

Parks & Rec approves PolyArts, debates snow policy

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Jan. 28 authorized a reservation request by Hopkinton PolyArts to use the Town Common for this year’s PolyArts Festival.

“This is our 50th year, so you guys sort of get how it goes,” said Jean Bertschmann, who represented PolyArts at the meeting.

According to the reservation request, the 2025 PolyArts Festival is scheduled for Sept. 6. Organizers anticipate up to 2,500 attendees.

“The crowd last year felt like the pre-pandemic crowd,” explained Bertschmann. “We’re really hoping for a great turnout this year.”

She went on to detail slight changes in the layout of the festival, noting that, like last year, the food vendors would be moved to Marathon Way to create a food court. Bertschmann added that portable restrooms may be moved into that area as well.

Commission chair Dan Terry inquired about the festival’s revenue. “For something of this size … what [do] the financials look like, since we’re waiving fees?” he asked.

“We have an obligation to not have people profit too much off of somewhere that’s common usage,” he clarified.

Bertschmann said she did not have PolyArts’ financials on hand, but generally the festival raises between $5,000-$6,000 in booth fees. A portion of the revenue is doled out in scholarships to high school seniors but “the rest is a wash with expenses” such as police details and insurance.

After further discussion and an agreement to have the PolyArts treasurer send a more detailed financial statement to the commission, members voted to approve the reservation request. PolyArts now must go before the Select Board and the Board of Health for further approvals.

Other reservation requests for the Town Common approved by the commission included the Hopkinton

Turf snow policy maintained

The Parks & Rec Commission agreed to maintain its policy for snow plowing the town’s synthetic turf fields after a brief debate.

Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus prefaced the discussion by noting that two soccer clubs would be using the Fruit Street fields for tournaments this March. In previous years, the department has asked the clubs to share the cost of any plowing.

“Do we want to adopt the same policy where it’s shared cost?” Lewitus asked.

Parks & Rec’s plowing vendor, Sports Turf Specialities, Inc., charges a minimum of four hours with two machines for 1-6 inches of snow. To get both turf fields plowed would cost the department $2,000 for up to 6 inches, and $3,000 for above 6 inches.

Those costs would be split between the town and the registrants, according to this policy.

Commission members clarified with Lewitus that Hopkinton clubs and groups would not be charged for any plowing. Member Kyle Smith expressed worry over losing potential revenue because of the added cost, stating that other towns may come up with more competitive packages that don’t tack on these costs.

Terry claimed groups who come to use the turf fields “like the consistency of knowing” there are plans like the plowing policy in place.

“We’ve had this kind of revenue for 10 years,” he added. “I don’t know that there’s a need to modify [the policy].”

Lewitus confirmed the policy would require a deposit from the soccer clubs that would be credited back to their registration costs if not used. Commission members agreed to maintain the policy as stated and directed Lewitus to follow up with the registrants.

Garden Club plant sale on May 10 and the Friends of Hopkinton Family Fling on March 29.

Parks & Rec plans to continue sharing the cost of snow plowing with out-of-town soccer teams that want to use the Fruit Street turf fields.

Resident gets year in prison for tax evasion

AHopkinton man was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of tax evasion in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn for failing to pay excise taxes on vaping products he sold at his businesses. Ashraf Youssef, 62, was the owner of AAA Smoke & Vape Shop in Marlborough from 2020-22, along with similar establishments in Sudbury and Whitinsville. During that time, the defendant repeatedly purchased electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as vaping products or vapes, from four different out-of-state distributors. The invoices stated that

Youssef was responsible for paying the excise taxes on the products.

A joint investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Criminal Investigations Bureau discovered that Youssef paid no excise taxes on the vaping products over those three years.

Based on information compiled from invoices, bank records and delivery records, Youssef was accused of failing to pay $467,828 in electronic nicotine delivery systems excise taxes. The excise tax for electronic nicotine delivery systems is imposed by General Laws Chapter 64C, section 7E, according to a press release Monday

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from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.

Youssef was sentenced to one year in the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction in Billerica, with parole eligibility in six months, as well as five years probation. Assistant District Attorney Whitney Williams prosecuted this case.

Youssef had been arraigned on June 18, 2024. The case originally was scheduled to be prosecuted on July 9, 2024. A trial date had been set for Dec. 16, 2024, but the guilty plea negated a trial.

This is not the first time Youssef has faced charges in court. In 2013, Youssef and Maged M. Askandar, his nephew, were accused of selling cocaine-laced bath salts out of a Sudbury gas station Youssef owned, according to a newspaper article. Askandar worked at Valero’s gas station as a clerk. Both men lived at the same address on West Main Street.

Both men pleaded not guilty to trafficking in cocaine, possession of bath salts, distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, distribution of drug paraphernalia and conspiracy to violate the state’s drug laws.

There also were two prior small claims court claims made against Youssef, one in 2015 and the other in 2020, according to the masscourts. org website. The plaintiff in the 2015 case filed a notice of dismissal the day after a magistrate hearing on March 16, 2015. In the 2020 case, a judgment was made in Youseff’s favor on Feb. 23, 2021.

Man accused of driving into house

An allegedly intoxicated Marlborough man who drove a stolen car into a Hopkinton house was arraigned Jan. 27 in Framingham District Court on multiple charges, according to Hopkinton’s deputy police chief.

Thomas Matthew Timpone, 45, was arrested Jan. 25 at approximately 4:50 p.m. after the silver 2003 Honda CRV he was driving struck a home at 9 Oakhurst Road, according to HPD Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten.

“Hopkinton Police and Fire were dispatched and upon investigation, it was discovered the vehicle Mr. Timpone was operating was stolen from a 7-Eleven in Marlborough earlier in the day,” van Raalten stated.

HPD confirmed with the Marlborough Police Department that the vehicle was stolen, according to the police report.

Timpone was arrested on eight charges. He was charged Monday morning in Framingham District Court with assault and battery on a police officer, use of a motor vehicle without authority; receiving stolen property, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of liquor, larceny of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of property damage.

There were no injuries, no damage to the house and no hazards, according to the police report. The report showed that Timpone gave his address as a Framingham post office box, but a court database showed he resides at a Marlborough apartment.

EV policy could reshape town’s fleet

At a recent Select Board meeting, members discussed a draft of a zeroemission vehicle (ZEV) policy that could reshape the town’s fleet of vehicles.

Julia Chun, the town’s sustainability, economic development and equity project manager, presented the new policy to the board. She explained that it would replace the existing efficient vehicle policy that was adopted in 2010 and revised in 2022.

Chun claimed the policy was “necessary to reach our net zero goals and our commitment that we pledged to reach net zero by 2045.”

Based on models from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, the ZEV program would establish a hierarchy on how to replace vehicles in the town’s fleet as they reached the end of their life cycle. Battery electric vehicles (EVs) would be the highest priority for replacing retired vehicles.

Excluded from the program will be any vehicles with a manufacturer’s gross weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds. This includes fire engines, ambulances, public works vehicles and so on.

Chun reviewed the benefits of the policy, stating it would help reduce fuel expenditures, maintenance costs and public health risks.

The ZEV policy also is a prerequisite for becoming a certified Climate Leader Community through the Massachusetts Green Communities program.

Under that certification, the town can access grant funding for other energy projects, including geothermal power for the new Charleswood School, Chun explained.

While the Select Board had some logistical questions about the draft, members appeared to be in support of the policy.

“I think it’s the wave of the future,” said vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere.

Next steps for the proposed policy are the finalization of a fleet assessment report from Eversource and a second hearing in front of the Select Board for final approval.

White metal recycling shifts to Harvey

Hopkinton’s white metal recycling program is shifting locations, along with its operating hours.

The Department of Public Works announced in a recent Facebook post that white metal recycling would no longer occur at 66 Fruit Street. Residents are directed to bring these items for recycling at the EL Harvey facility on Wood Street instead.

Along with the change in location comes a change in the frequency of collection. The facility on Wood Street will be accessible to residents every Saturday between 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Previously, white metal recycling only occurred on the last Saturday of each month.

White metals include stoves, washers, microwaves and so on. Per Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, EL Harvey cannot take refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners or dehumidifiers.

For more information on white metal recycling and the town’s recycling options, check out the DPW’s website.

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New Trails Committee lays groundwork, discusses vision

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The new iteration of the Trails Committee held its inaugural meeting Jan. 29 to review work completed by previous committees and to discuss its initial priorities and framework.

On Jan. 7, the Select Board appointed nine members to this committee, which replaces the defunct Upper Charles Trail Committee (UCTC) and the Trail Coordination and Management Committee (also known as the TCMC and Trails Committee). Some members from each former committee were appointed, along with three newcomers who spoke about their current trail use as well as ways of amplifying public awareness of the town’s trail systems.

Members highlight backgrounds, goals

Former TCMC chair Peter LaGoy, who later was elected president over Sean Kimball, opened the meeting by allowing the members who were present to introduce themselves and discuss their experience. He recounted running on trails since he was in high school, which prompted his later interest in trail development. He took the lead on the construction of the popular Center Trail and also participated in the development of the Echo Trail and Hughes Farm Trail. LaGoy also mentioned the previous partnership between the TCMC and the Trails Club with the Trails Club’s monthly volunteer days, which he hoped this group would continue to support.

Scott Knous, the former UCTC treasurer, was elected vice chair over Kimball and volunteered to be treasurer. In addition to running on the town’s trails, he has run in 14 marathons and has participated in triathlons. Knous also volunteered to help the TCMC develop a potential design for a family-friendly area on the Hughes Farm Trail and has taken courses on different approaches to trail development. His background is in financial and data management.

Linda Chuss, the former TCMC secretary, was elected clerk. She has been instrumental in working with the town’s Information Technology Department to update the trail portion of the website, as well as on the TCMC’s proposed trail signage. Chuss noted that she wants to focus on community outreach and women’s safety on trails.

Jane Moran, the former UCTC chair, had been a member for about 15 years. Her early interest in horseback riding and running led her to working on a way to connect Hopkinton to Milford and Ashland via an Upper Charles Trail. She would like to see “spark trails” branch off from this trail once it is completed, as well as trail connections to the western side of town. She would like the committee to pursue state and federal grants.

Kimball enjoys hiking and biking. He has volunteered in the past with youth sports and the Scouts as well as with the Trails Club and the Hopkinton Area Land Trust. He began backpacking in his 20s and helped develop water trails as a kayaker. More recently, Kimball has coached Eagle Scouts on trail-related projects.

Ken Parker has an extensive history with the town’s trails. He was a member of both the UCTC and the TCMC, as well as the Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) and the Trails Club. He spoke about the social aspect of using trails and his hope that increased trail usage would reduce auto emissions.

Before moving to Hopkinton 16 years ago, David Freed was active in Westborough, serving on its Open Space Preservation Commission for six years. He described his early trail experience of taking bike tours of Canada and Mexico. Freed started mountain biking in 1986 and later developed a 35-mile route for the New England Mountain Bikers Association. He described Westborough’s “charm bracelet” of trails and hoped that something similar could be done here.

Jack Buckley is an avid runner and interested in trail connectivity and promoting the history of Hopkinton through its trails. He retired from the

state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, where he served as its deputy director from 1988-2015 and the director from 2015-18. From 2019 until his recent retirement, he served as the chair of the state’s Stewardship Council, which oversees the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Priorities include master plan, community outreach

Moran and LaGoy each discussed the need for a trail master plan. Moran, who also serves on the Planning Board and the Open Space Preservation Commission, mentioned that the Planning Board’s pedestrian connectivity study done a couple of years ago would be helpful to review.

Said Moran: “I think connectivity is the key to all of this.”

Buckley suggested opening meetings with a public comment period as well as outreach to groups such as Scouts and realtors. Knous added that members could “meet people where they are,” such as at the library and the Senior Center.

LaGoy suggested using a whiteboard at the next meeting to capture members’ ideas and priorities, and members appeared receptive.

Added LaGoy: “Part of the reboot is to get other people’s ideas.”

Knous added that the group needs a “really good structure and approach” in order to meet the goals of its mandate. He suggested establishing a priority list and a framework for its execution.

Added Knous: “I think it would be really easy with so many different things

to jump from one topic to another to another.”

Later in the meeting, Kimball said he believed this meeting exemplified shifting topics as people spoke over one another.

“I have some serious reservations,” he said. “At today’s meeting we’ve been bouncing around, sharing a lot of ideas … but I feel like the next meeting’s agenda is starting to look like that.”

Kimball appeared frustrated by the focus on previous committee achievements and projects, preferring to concentrate on the list of tasks in the group’s mandate from the Select Board. He viewed the whiteboard as a chance to brainstorm ideas in a creative way.

Chuss said she had suggested input on short- and long-term goals to “help shape what we decide on that list.” LaGoy added that some goals could be met quickly because of previous work.

“If there are things we know we can do, we should do it and clear that up,” said Buckley, noting that there can be flexibility with longer-term goals.

LaGoy noted that it was clear from this meeting that developing a master plan was a top priority, with a structure similar to the town’s master plan. Knous volunteered to facilitate developing a framework and said members could email him with suggestions to “trigger conversations” at the next meeting on Feb. 12.

Chuss noted that the TCMC had done work toward developing a master plan and hoped it could be incorporated. Knous stressed that the master plan would be a “group effort” that would also incorporate public input.

Commission votes on design for plaque honoring local slaves

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

Aproposal

to erect a plaque honoring enslaved African Americans who lived in Hopkinton is one step closer to fruition following a vote by the Historic District Commission on Jan. 29.

The commission voted on the matter during a public hearing. As the proceeding began, chair Beth Watson clarified the parameters of the commission’s vote regarding the plaque.

“We’re voting on the color of the plaque, size, that kind of thing,” Watson said. “Just the architectural aspects — what the sign’s going to look like.”

The Historic District Commission was tasked with approving a certificate of appropriateness for the plaque because of its proposed location on the Town Common, which is within the town’s historic district. The Hopkinton Historical Society already has met with the Parks & Recreation Commission regarding where to install the marker.

Linda Connelly, archivist for the Hopkinton Historical Society, presented the plans for the plaque to the commission. Over the last 20 years, she has been working on uncovering the names and lives of slaves who lived in Hopkinton. She reported her list has grown to 32 names, backed up with historical sources.

Connelly began her presentation by explaining the impetus for the project.

“I was inspired over time after the

Frederick Douglass reading to kind of honor these people,” Connelly said. “The idea of a small, unassuming plaque on the common is what I and the Historical Society thought would be a nice way to honor these people.”

According to Connelly, the plaque would measure 20 inches by 14 inches and be made of bronze, similar to other installations on Town Common. It would be mounted on a post and feature the names of all 32 enslaved persons, along with a message of remembrance.

Regarding the exact location on the Common, Connelly discussed ideas to situate it near a similar marker commemorating Hopkinton’s first meetinghouse.

“A lot of people who started the meetinghouse in fact did own slaves,” she claimed.

Connelly also spoke to the importance of the plaque. “People don’t talk about slavery in the north,” she said. “It was part of the culture and a big part of the economy, so it needs to be talked about.”

Added Connelly: “I think it’s a really important fact to have up for people to understand their history, and to recognize these people as people that were here contributing.”

Representatives from other groups spoke in favor of the project during the meeting. Anne Mattina, vice president of the Historical Society, praised Connelly’s work and emphasized the

Historic Commission | 9

Conservation Commission approves vegetative management plan

herbicides” that require an additional MDAR review before they can be applied. The herbicides are identified in the YOP, which the town will review annually.

The YOP also includes a condition that the DPW will work with the commission to go through the proposed route for herbicide application and “identify any sensitive areas,” according to Hanson. Both the VMP and YOP have sensitive area restriction tables that list no-spray and limited-spray areas.

Reed said that the intent of the plan is to use herbicides primarily in the downtown area, where mechanical harvesting is challenging. A key place where they would be used is on the sidewalk that runs from the Town Common to the Ashland line.

“Before we do any application, we have to do a walk-through,” she added, noting that the DPW can do this with Conservation Administrator Judy Day to mark any areas of concern. This was added as a condition of approval, as well as a condition that a final version of the VMP be presented to the commission within 30 days of MDAR approval.

Stressed Reed: “We’re trying to do the best we can meeting the demands of the public and complying with the state and federal laws.”

Chair Melissa Recos noted that other communities including Natick, Weston, Bolton and Danvers “all have very similar plans.”

“I’m feeling comfortable knowing our relationship with DPW,” she said, adding that DPW’s offer to review the area with Day was helpful.

Recos pointed out that the commission’s responsibility was to determine if the plan had enough information to be considered under a request for determination of applicability (RDA) process. It also needed to conform with the Wetland Protection Act as well as the town’s bylaw.

“Our purview under the bylaw is to protect our resource areas,” she continued. “We do not have purview under the bylaw for human health … [or] based on costs.”

Donald Sutherland and Carol Esler, two major opponents of the VMP, reiterated their concerns they expressed at the previous meeting as well as at the MDAR hearing. They revolved around the impact of chemicals on human and wildlife health. Lack of online notification was an issue for Sutherland, the chair of the Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee’s Environmental Working Group (EWG), who noted that the School Department does so under its invasive management plan.

Esler, an EWG member, questioned the accuracy of the map included in the application. She said that Lake Maspenock was shown to have no sensitive areas despite having wetlands and vernal pools in its vicinity. Reed replied that the map showed areas that “were not readily identifiable,” whereas the lake would be readily identifiable.

Member Ed Harrow pointed out the “explosive” growth of knotweed along Spring Street, despite efforts he has made to control it manually. He suggested an educational workshop for residents who are interested in helping to control the spread of invasives manually on and near their properties.

Leonard Street discussion continued

In other Conservation Commission work, the commission continued

requests for certificates of compliance from developer Lou Petrozzi of Wall Street Development Corporation for 8 and 10 Leonard Street, citing incomplete application information. Petrozzi did not attend the meeting.

The two addresses are part of a three-unit subdivision that has experienced stormwater management issues since July 2021. There also is a history of paperwork not being filed in a timely manner and fines being imposed on Petrozzi by the town in 2023. Petrozzi at that time threatened to reopen litigation against the town.

Day explained that the site has been stabilized and that erosion controls were removed. There were some “minor differences” between the approved plan and the as-built project, including a deck outside of the buffer zone and a walkway in front of one of the homes. Member Janine LeBlanc pointed out that the walkway encroached into the 100-foot buffer zone.

Missing information included annual reporting on the planting plan for both homes, which was an original condition of approval. The status of the plantings and a report on the monitoring and removal of invasives also was not included.

Recos advised that the discussion be tabled to a future meeting.

DPW request for Fruit Street borings approved

The DPW requested a determination of applicability for the

society’s support of the project.

“We’re enthusiastically behind this,” Mattina said. “It’s just a really important part of our history.”

Amy Groves, who represents a group of residents looking to establish a cultural district in Hopkinton, voiced her support as well.

“It shows the uniqueness of Hopkinton,” said Groves. “This would be a real asset [to the cultural district].”

While some commission members had thoughts about the language and the exact location of the plaque, all appeared in favor of the project. Watson agreed to clarify with Parks & Rec about where the plaque would be installed.

“We need to make sure we specify that we’re approving the design and size, but we are not necessarily approving a location, because that hasn’t been decided yet,” she said.

The commission approved the project’s certificate of appropriateness in a unanimous vote. Further discussions over the content of the sign and its finalized location have yet to be scheduled with the Parks & Rec Commission.

placement of exploratory geotechnical borings, which the commission approved in a 6-0 vote. They will be placed in the right of way between 55 and 66 Fruit Street in mid-February.

Reed explained that the DPW was awarded a grant from the state’s Division of Ecological Restoration to “do some field work” on a culvert that had been identified as part of a previous grant for resiliency efforts.

There are two culverts in that area where concerns about flooding have arisen, she said. The grant would allow for culvert improvement as well as ecological restoration and habitat improvement.

Up to two geotechnical borings would be placed at each culvert to gather soil data that would aid the DPW in forming a plan for an eventual culvert redesign. Straw waddles will be placed within 10 feet of the boring locations to catch any sediment overflow, and the site will be restored to its original state once the borings are in place.

Day asked if wash water would be “a byproduct of the borings” and how it would be disposed. A sediment filter will be used to capture the wash water to prevent it from being discharged to any of the resource areas there.

Harrow noted that this area is a major crossing point for turtles and received assurances that the culverts will be upgraded to accommodate them. Reed explained that this project will create “a lot of opportunities to reconnect habitat” that primarily is on town land.

Key decisions for retired couples

Once you and your spouse retire, you’ll have some decisions to make — decisions that could affect your quality of life in your retirement years. What are these choices?

Here a few of the most important ones:

benefits are given to the lower-earning spouse if their full retirement benefit is less than half the other spouse’s full retirement benefit.)

• Should you downsize? If you live in a big home and your children are grown, you may find it economical to downsize. Of course, this is also an emotional decision, but you may find that you can save money by moving into a smaller home.

• How much should you withdraw from your retirement accounts? By the time you retire, you may have contributed for decades to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. But once you retire, you’ll probably need to draw on these accounts to help pay your living expenses. Consequently, both of you will need to be sure that you don’t withdraw so much each year that you risk running out of money later in your retirement. One common guideline is to aim for an annual withdrawal rate of 4%, but everyone’s situation is different based on age, pre-retirement income, lifestyle, health, travel plans and other factors. (Once you turn 73, or 75 if you were born in 1960 or later, you will have to take certain amounts, based on your age and account balance, from your traditional IRA and traditional 401(k) each year.)

• When should you take Social Security? The answer to this question depends on many factors, such as your age and other sources of income. You can take Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly payments will typically be bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which will be age 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. And if you can afford to wait even longer, your payments will “max out” when you reach age 70. Your decision on when to take Social Security can affect your spouse — and vice versa. If the lower-earning spouse claims Social Security before their full retirement age — again, age 67 — their own retirement benefit and any potential spousal benefit will be reduced. (Spousal

With• Where should you live? Some states are far more expensive to live in than others. You’ll want to weigh your decision carefully, considering the cost of housing, food, income and real estate taxes, transportation and health care in whatever state you choose.

• Have you finished your estate plans? If not, now is the time. You’ll want to work with your legal professional to create whatever documents are needed — a will, living trust, power of attorney — to help ensure your assets go where you want them to go, and that your financial and health care choices will be protected if you become physically or mentally incapacitated.

Of course, many of these same issues will apply if you are single, divorced or widowed. But if you are married, you and your spouse will want to discuss all your choices and then decide which steps to take. Once you’ve got your plans in place, you may well find that you can fully enjoy your retirement years.

​​Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

a unique method of fundraising and strong community support, Blue Square Pizza is building an expansive future in the MetroWest region.

The Hopkinton restaurant recently launched a round of crowdfunding to help fund its plans for growth. Using the investment platform SMBX, Blue Square already has raised over $150,000 directly from community members.

The money was raised by selling bonds through SMBX’s platform. Starting as low as $10, the bonds offer a 9.5% annual interest paid back over a three-year period. They will remain up for sale until Feb. 10.

The community’s response to the investment opportunity has far exceeded the expectations of Tony Sproul, Blue Square’s owner.

“We wanted $75,000 initially,” said Sproul. “I sent an email on [a] Friday, woke up Saturday, and we’d raised the entire $75,000.”

It took only 12 additional hours to hit the restaurant’s expanded $124,000 goal. According to Sproul, this was a record raise for the SMBX platform.

“They’ve never had a brand raise that fast in 24 hours,” he

said.

For Sproul, this fundraising drive serves both to help fund Blue Square’s expansion plans and broaden the restaurant’s appeal to a wider range of investors. “I thought there was value in getting my name out beyond the MetroWest community,” he explained.

Sproul reported that since starting the fundraiser, a number of investors have contacted him asking to get more involved and help “scale at a larger level.”

Blue Square, which prides itself on its sourdough pizza in a number of classic styles, will use the funds raised to expand to two new locations. According to Sproul, one new location in Northborough is nearing completion while another in the MetroWest area still is in the works.

Phipps named Business of the Year

Phipps Insurance Agency was honored at the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s holiday celebration with the Business of the Year Award.

The celebration — sponsored by Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects — took place Dec. 19.

“We are delighted to celebrate them as Hopkinton Chamber Business of the year,” the chamber stated in a recent newsletter.

“The Phipps family have made a significant contribution not only in their field of work but in the Hopkinton Community,” it added.

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Cheryl Rose for this photo of an individual ice fishing at Hopkinton State Park. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@ hopkintonindependent. com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by BoMain. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to BoMain.

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

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.

AARP Income Tax Assistance

Tuesdays in February and March

AARP Foundation tax-aide volunteers (IRS certified) will help individuals prepare and file their returns for free. While this program is focused on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income, it is open to anyone of any age. Appointments begin Feb. 4 and continue each Tuesday through the end of March. Anyone interested in more information or scheduling an appointment can call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Fifteen Minutes of Fame

This new program brings back Show and Tell from school. The Senior Center seeks those who have a hobby they are passionate about — knowledge of a specific historical event/cultural icon, travels around the world, an interesting work background or anything that could be interesting to others. Each month, two speakers will get a chance to be the expert and lead a 15-minute presentation on their topic of choice. Anyone interested in being a presenter can call Jessica to learn more.

Lunar New Year with the National Asian Art Museum

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1:30 p.m.

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays in China, and it is widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam and other countries as well. On this virtual tour, visitors will explore popular legends, learn to identify auspicious messages and uncover the symbolism of animals, plants and colors associated with the Lunar New Year.

Craft with Jessica: Mardi Gras Mask Making

Thursday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m.

During this fun-filled afternoon, participants will decorate their own Mardi Gras mask. The masks and other fun decorations will be provided. Individuals can wear their masks to the Mardi Gras lunch on Fat Tuesday. Advance registration is required.

Celebrate Mardi Gras

Thursday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m.

Initially, Mardi Gras masks allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints. Whether they cover only one’s eyes or entire face, masks add an element of mystery and intrigue and are a favorite Mardi Gras tradition. In fact, Mardi Gras float riders are required by law to wear masks. The program features an afternoon of interactive games, Mardi Gras trivia, music and festivities celebrating Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras colors of green, purple and gold are strongly encouraged, as well as masquerade masks. Advance registration is requested.

Arcos to replace Central Public House after sale

“It’s one step at a time,” he noted.

Wilson opened Central Public House in 2018 with the aim of bringing “a city dining experience to the suburbs.”

The restaurant was known for its rotating menu of seasonally available entrees and appetizers, along with its unique dining atmosphere. It earned a feature on the locally renowned television program Phantom Gourmet.

Wilson says the decision to sell the restaurant hinged on a number of factors. Chief among them was spending more time with his children and a new business opportunity.

“My wife and I wanted to pursue some other things,” he said.

Wilson is a 32-year veteran of the food service industry. He began working in restaurants at the age of 16 and went on to attend the Connecticut Culinary Institute. His resume includes working

for award-winning chefs, an executive chef position at the Lenox Hotel in Boston and opening a restaurant in Boston’s Seaport District.

Once Central Public House changes hands, he plans to move away from the food service industry. He described how the job has been tough for him and his family, and that he “wants to see how the other half lives.”

“People see this stuff on TV and think it’s a glamorous life,” said Wilson.

“It’s a hard job.”

While Wilson was not at liberty to discuss his new venture, he noted that the move made sense for him and his family.

“We’ve been presented an opportunity to walk away with some good people taking over,” he explained.

The three new owners are industry veterans and local restaurateurs. Joe Alves, Mark Wyspianski and Ramon Ramos will run the restaurant together,

with Wyspianski and Ramos acting as manager and executive chef, respectively.

The new owners intend on rebranding the restaurant and building a new menu. Alves says Ramos’ menu will be “more of an Italian fusion” with influences from Spanish and Portuguese cuisines.

“We’re open to anything. … It’s really what the demand is,” said Alves.

In regard to the layout, Wyspianski says they don’t plan on radical changes.

“It’s a beautiful space, especially the outside,” said Wyspianski. “They did a great job with the initial build-out, so we want to take advantage of that.”

Alves echoed Wyspianski’s thoughts. “We’re not going to make a lot of changes right away,” he said. “The place was only built a few years ago, [so] it doesn’t need a lot.”

Both Alves and Wyspianski said they aimed to retain the current staffing as well.

One big change will be the restaurant’s name. The owners are working on finalizing branding but noted during the Feb. 4 Select Board meeting their intention to open under the name Arcos Cucina and Bar.

For Wyspianski, owning a restaurant of his own has been a longtime dream. Currently, he is the manager for Avenue in Medfield.

A resident of Hopkinton, Wyspianski

said the opportunity to open a restaurant in his community meant a lot to him.

“I always wanted to leave my own mark in the area I grew up, and I think this is a great opportunity to get started here,” he said.

Wyspianski and Alves connected during Wyspianski’s time as a restaurant manager at Alicante in Mendon. Alves owned Alicante for over 20 years, selling the business two years ago.

He first opened Alicante in 2002 and employed both Wyspianski and Ramos. He knew both men were interested in opening their own place, so when the opportunity came up to purchase Central Public House, he made the decision to join them.

“I decided to invest in these guys, and we’re going to make a go of it,” said Alves.

Alves and Wyspianski briefly discussed their plans for 42 Main Street at the Select Board meeting. The board approved the transfer of Central Public House’s liquor licenses to the new owners. From here, the group will meet with state officials for next steps on the license transfer.

Once the transfer is complete, the new owners hope to open their restaurant as quickly as possible. Hours will be limited as they get up to speed.

“We’ll start slow and add as we see demand,” said Alves. “We’ll feel out the town and see what demand is.”

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Adolescent/teenage mental health warning signs

Professional insights

Mental health affects every realm of a person’s life. When our mental health is negatively impacted, it inevitably will have repercussions in one of the following domains: school, occupation, relationships, sleep habits, physical health, appetite, mood and/or behavior. With adolescent and teenage mental health disorders on the rise, it is more important than ever to understand the signs and symptoms that your child might be struggling. Knowing what to look out for without worrying about your child’s every little movement can feel like an overwhelming task, so let’s break it down together.

Mood/behavior changes

Changes in mood and behavior often are some of the first warning signs that your child may be struggling. You might notice that your once-easygoing, patient teen now is experiencing frequent angry outbursts or disobeying you or other authority figures in their life. If you observe a general loss of interest in activities your child formerly enjoyed or a constant state of fear, worry or hopelessness without obvious cause, it’s time to check in.

School/occupation struggles

If you find that your child is refusing to go to school, having trouble concentrating, missing classes, receiving lower-than-usual grades on assignments, forgetting to turn in homework or otherwise having a hard time in the school setting, they might be dealing with mental health stressors that are impacting their ability to succeed academically. The same goes for jobs; your teen no longer wanting to go to their weekend job or failing to uphold work responsibilities might be trying to send you the message that they need help.

Changes in relationships/ social settings

Changes in social norms is another indicator that your teen might be facing adversity. Withdrawing from friends or usual social settings, or engaging in recreational activities that are unusual for your child is something to be aware of.

Altered sleep habits/ physical health

Healthy sleep hygiene is important for maintaining mental health. If you notice that your child is sleeping significantly more or less than usual, or having difficulty sleeping altogether, it’s a good idea to check in with them about what might be contributing. Physical changes such as unexplained weight gain or loss, recurring stomachaches, headaches or other complaints can be a red flag. It also is important to be aware of any signs of self-harm: cuts, scratches, burns or bruising on your child’s body.

If you notice your child grappling with any of the aforementioned issues, it’s imperative to check in with them. You can let them know what changes you’ve been observing, emphasize that you are there to support them through whatever they might be dealing with, and talk about the options for seeking help. Checking in with other caregivers in your child’s life (teachers, coaches, relatives, etc.) is another great way to gather information about changes in your child’s mental health.

If, after talking with your child, your worry still persists, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Reach out to your child’s guidance counselor, their primary care physician or a vetted therapist for further support on how best you can support your child’s needs.

For more information on therapy services, please contact:

Elyssa DeWolfe, LICSW The Counseling Corner Hopkinton, MA 508-216-0627

Elyssa@counselingcorner.org www.counselingcorner.org

Elyssa DeWolfe, LICSW

LIBRARY CORNER

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @ hopkintonlibrary.

Schedule Update

The library will be closed Saturday, Feb. 15, through Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of Presidents Day.

Reading Marathon

With the Boston Marathon approaching, the library is hosting its Reading Marathon during the month of February. The program is for all ages, so families can do it together. Registration began Feb. 10, and the program begins Feb. 16. Those who stop by the library can pick up an official paper reading log.

ADULT PROGRAMS

ELL Conversation Group for Intermediate Learners

Wednesdays, Feb. 12, 19 and 26, 10-11:30 a.m.

ELL Conversation Group:

Conversation and Culture

Thursdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Thursday, Feb. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

ELL Group: Beginning Learners

Fridays, Feb. 14, 21 and 28, 10-11 a.m.

Book Discussion: ‘James’ and ‘Huckleberry Finn’

Thursday, Feb. 20, 6-7:30 p.m.

“James,” by Percival Everett, was inspired by “Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain. Everett’s novel is a retelling of the American classic, told from the perspective of Jim, the slave who travels down the Mississippi River with Huck, allowing for a deeper reality of slavery and racism. The Hopkinton Public Library hosts a discussion of both novels this month. Copies of the books are available at the library.

Puzzle Race

Saturday, Feb. 22, 1-4 p.m.

This program is for ages 9 and older.

Author Talk With Salvatore Tocco

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Hopkinton’s Salvatore Tocco is the author of “The Cardinal and the Crook.”

TEEN PROGRAMS

YA Animanga Club

Wednesdays, Feb. 12 and 16, 6-7:45 p.m.

Improve Games with Little Spark Theater

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m.

This program is for ages 10 and older.

YA Game Night

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6-7:45 p.m.

Teen Mario Kart Tournament with One Up Games

Thursday, Feb. 20, 2-5 p.m.

Young Adult Crafternoons

Monday, Feb. 24, 3-5 p.m.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Parent/Child Playgroup

Thursdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 10-11 a.m.

Lego & Pokemon Club

Thursdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 4-4:45 p.m.

Babytime

Fridays, Feb. 14 and 21, 9:15-10 a.m.

This program is for ages 0-18 months.

Sensory Friendly Baby/Toddler Storytime

Tuesdays, Feb. 18 and 25, 10-10:45 a.m. This program is for ages 0-3.

Preschool Storytime

Tuesdays, Feb. 18 and 25, 11-11:30 a.m.

Big Kid Creative Drama with Little Spark Theater

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m.

This program is for ages 6-8.

Lego & Duplo Club

Tuesdays, Feb. 18 and 25, 4-4:15 p.m.

Baby/Toddler Storytime

Wednesdays, Feb. 19 and 26, 10-10:45 a.m.

This program is for ages 0-3.

Monthly Music & Movement

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10:30-11:15 a.m. This program is for ages 0-5.

Alphabits

Wednesdays, Feb. 19 and 26, 11-11:45 a.m.

This program is for ages 3-6.

Who Would Win? Animal Showdowns

Wednesday, Feb. 19, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

This program is for ages 7 and older.

Read to a Therapy Dog

Wednesdays, Feb. 19 and 26, 7-7:45 p.m.

Drop-in Family Activities

Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Virtual Fortnite Tournament with One Up Games

Thursday, Feb. 27, 6-7:45 p.m.

Open Chess Play

Monday, Feb. 24, 5:30-7 p.m.

Cub Scouts pull a sled across Victory Field during

ScHoolS

School Committee approves adaptive playground article for warrant

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

During a brief Zoom meeting on Jan. 30, the School Committee voted to sponsor a warrant article for an adaptive playground to be located at Marathon School.

With its current wording, the article would ask the town to “vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, borrow, appropriate from excess bond premiums or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money” to fund the project.

No dollar amount is attached to the article, which would be voted on at May’s Annual Town Meeting. Previously, the amount cited for the project was $1.2 million.

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) had approved $300,000 last year toward the project. Prior to that, it had allocated $100,000 for preliminary designs.

However, the Capital Improvement Committee (CIC) decided not to put the item on its capital plan list, which then would “typically” go to the town manager for placement on the warrant, said Susan Rothermich, assistant superintendent for finance and operations.

She said that following a meeting of the Select Board, Appropriation Committee and CPC on Jan. 21, it was brought up that anyone could sponsor an article.

The School Committee scheduled the special meeting Jan. 30 to submit the article before the warrant closed on Feb. 3.

School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh said that on Feb. 10, the CIC was scheduled to review CPC

recommendations for funding and, at that time, the district would get news on the fate of the previously approved $300,000.

CPC members had suggested suspension of those funds if the project had no possibility of moving forward.

If the CPC’s request is approved, the article would seek the balance “to put it across the finish line,” Cavanaugh said, and identify a funding source to do so.

Schedule changes made for superintendent search

In other business, Cavanaugh reported that New England School Development Council (NESDEC), the consultant advising on the superintendent’s search, recommended starting the screening process sooner so that a decision can be pushed ahead to earlier in the spring.

The School Committee’s vote to select a superintendent would be changed to April 15 “to get ahead of other districts that may also be searching for candidates,” Cavanaugh said of the rationale.

The NESDEC consultant, she said, “feels confident this is a viable timeline.”

Members Susan Stephenson and Kyla McSweeney will be the School Committee representatives for the screening committee.

Vice chair Jamie Wronka and member Chris Masters will select who will serve on the screening committee.

Meanwhile, letters have been sent out to parents inviting them to get involved with focus groups, according to the chair.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh is retiring on June 30. The expected start date for the new administrator is July 1.

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 7-month-old Timon.

Here is Baypath’s description of Timon:

“Timon is a friendly and energetic young dog with a big heart and a zest for life! This playful pup is always excited to meet new people and other dogs, making him a great companion for an active home. He’s smart, food-motivated and eager to learn, which makes training with him both fun and rewarding.

“Timon loves going for walks, playing with his favorite toys and spending quality time with his people. While he can be a little nervous in new situations, he quickly warms up with patience and encouragement, revealing his sweet and loving nature.

“Timon would do best in a home with teens and adults who can keep up with his playful energy and continue building his confidence. While we’re not sure how he feels about cats just yet, he’s ready to focus on creating new memories with his forever family.

“If you’re looking for a smart, active and affectionate companion, Timon is ready to fill your days with fun and love!”

For more information about Timon 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.

Local musicians selected for regional festivals

Anumber of Hopkinton High School students successfully auditioned and were accepted to the 2025 Central District Massachusetts Music Educators Association Senior Festival, which took place Jan. 18 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

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Aritro Chatterjee (viola) and Alexander Luter (violin) were in the orchestra. Josh Kim (clarinet) and May Chen (oboe) played in the band. Alper Rozy (baritone saxophone) was in the jazz band. Pranav Lakki-Reddy (mallets/percussion) participated in the band and chorus. Caroline Rowe (alto) sang in the chorus.

Chatterjee and Kim also were selected to participate in the 71st Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Festival, which will be held March 28- 29 in Worcester and at Symphony Hall in Boston.

Meanwhile, 19 Hopkinton High School and Hopkinton Middle School students successfully auditioned for the 2025 Central District Massachusetts Music Educators Association Junior Festival. Their performance will take place May 3 at Blackstone-Millville Regional High School.

Ninth graders Adelaide Castoreno (euphonium) and Tanya Wongchaisuwat (clarinet), eighth graders Ankith Suram (snare drum) and Andrew Zhang (clarinet), and seventh graders Violet Gao (flute), Shiven Kataria (alto sax), Navin Parthasarathy (trumpet) and Sophia Shen (clarinet) will play in the band.

Ninth graders Ariel Fu (violin) and Itan Rozy (violin), eighth graders Marlowe Gedraitris (viola), Catherine Medich (violin), Lindsay Xie (violin) and Benjamin Yang (violin), and seventh graders Roger Gu (oboe) and Caleb Kim (cello) will play in the orchestra

Eighth graders Hannah Borzumato, Swara Patkar and Asyush Srihari will sing in the chorus.

Additionally, five HHS students have been selected to participate in the 39th annual UMass-Amherst Honor Band on Saturday, Feb. 15: Sanvi Ayachitam (flute), Akshaya Kolluri (clarinet), Alper Rozy (baritone sax), Katy Jackson (trumpet) and Sadie Wein (trumpet).

HPS concerts start this month

Hopkinton schools will host concerts over the next three months.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, the First Tri-M Jazz Cafe will be held in the HHS atrium beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, March 11, the Grade 6 ensembles will take place in the HHS Athletic Center at 7 p.m.

Local collegians recognized

The University of Rhode Island recently announced its dean’s list, which includes a number of Hopkinton students: Delaney Augspurg, Trinity Birtwistle, Sydney Capello, Anthony Cherubim, Julia Dever, Lily Pete, Emerie Peterson, Casey Pratt, Cait Sansonetti, Jordis Vogel, Eliza Worrell and Josie Zeigler. …

Colin Norred was named to the dean’s list at Springfield College, where he is majoring in sport management. …

At the College of Charleston, Kathryn Dion (majoring in marketing), Sinead Herr (business administration) and Charles Nealon (communication) were named to the dean’s list. …

Emmaline Kent earned a spot on the president’s list at Husson University, where she is studying toward a degree in mass communications-marketing communications with certificates in digital and social media marketing, filmmaking and graphic design. …

Esther Klinger was named to the dean’s list while studying public health and sociology at Muhlenberg College. …

At James Madison University, Emily Jurasek (majoring in hospitality management) and Hannah Hutchins (elementary education) were recognized with placement on the dean’s list. …

Nick Paharik was named to the dean’s list at Assumption University. …

At the University of Richmond, freshman Zach Peace was named to the dean’s list. …

Cited for inclusion on the dean’s list at Worcester Polytechnic Institute were senior Emma VanBeek (majoring in biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering), juniors Treavor Weeden (mechanical engineering) and Mena Youssif (civil engineering), sophomores Margaret Joyce (environmental engineering), Craig Salois (computer science) and Jari Zaidi (mechanical engineering), and freshmen Natalie Bouffard of Hopkinton (mechanical engineering), Anthony DeLuca (aerospace engineering), Humza Haider (robotics engineering) and Sanidi Waduthanthri (aerospace engineering). …

Delaney Doyle earned a spot on the dean’s list at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. …

Finley Doherty was named to the dean’s list at Villanova University. …

At Endicott College, Katherine Decoulos (nursing), Cole Deisenroth (graphic design), Wyatt Iantosca (marketing communications/ advertising), Kate Linde (bioengineering), Sam Pantera (sport management) and Iris Zeissig (business management) were named to the dean’s list. …

On Thursday, March 12, the HHS ensembles will perform in the HHS Auditorium at 7 p.m.

On Wednesday, March 18, the Grade 7 ensembles will take place in the HMS Auditorium at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, March 19, the Grade 8 ensembles will perform in the HMS Auditorium at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 15, there will be a Jazz Night in the HHS Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Hopkinton also again will host the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival the weekend of April 4-6.

John Sanda was named to the dean’s list at the University of Alabama. … Alex Smith earned a spot on the dean’s list at Nichols College. …

At Quinnipiac University, Hailey Cox, Russell Demarco, Aidan Morin, Cristina Porzio, Sabrina Russo, Ashlyn Sullivan and Henry Wailgum were named to the dean’s list.

Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@ hopkintonindependent.com.

SportS

Ciri to continue soccer career at UNH

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Soccer has taken Nina Ciri all over the country, but next fall, the Hopkinton resident and Buckingham Browne & Nichols School student will be heading somewhere relatively close to home to continue her athletic career.

Ciri chose the University of New Hampshire, a Division 1 program in the America East Conference, that she said felt like the right fit for her when she stepped on campus.

“Overall, it was very good for me when I went on my visit,” Ciri said. “The coaches were really supportive through the whole process and I really connected with them, and the same with the team when I was able to meet some of them.”

Ciri and some of the other BB&N athletes who are going to play college sports held an official signing day in November and a signing ceremony in January. When it was her turn, Ciri sat with her family — including father Chris, mother Anna and older sister Gabby — donning UNH gear and wide smiles.

“It was awesome,” Ciri said of the ceremony. “A lot of people at my school are going to play sports in college, so it was cool to see whether everyone else is going.”

The BB&N girls soccer team has

five college commits on its roster from this past season.

Looking ahead to UNH, Ciri said she particularly liked the facilities, which are being renovated. The Durham campus is the right size for her. Everything is within walking distance, but it’s big enough so that she doesn’t feel like she is still at high school, she said.

Ciri plans to spend the rest of the

Hillers girls ski team small but ‘mighty’

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

What the Hopkinton High School girls

ski team lacks in roster size, it has more than made up for in top-end talent and overall team chemistry this winter, according to coach Andrew Carlucci.

Leading the way for the Hillers is the sister duo of senior captain Lyla Mato and sophomore Lucie Mato, both of whom were well-positioned to earn spots at the MIAA state meet this winter. Both have been in the top 10 during every meet this season.

“[Lyla] is a real leader,” Carlucci said. “She takes the initiative and makes sure that the whole team is actually a team and that everybody feels welcomed.”

On the slopes, Carlucci described Lyla Mato as “extremely technical” in her approach to the sport.

“She wants to go fast, and she wants to win,” he said. “She is doing very, very well. She has been a real standout.”

Carlucci used the same word, “standout,” to describe Lucie Mato.

“She is young, but she wants to get better every single day, and she puts forth a lot of effort to be really, really good,” he said. “She also makes sure people are tuned in and motivated during practices and on race day. She cheers for everybody and puts forth a lot of positive energy.”

That positivity has been a hallmark for the Hopkinton roster, which includes some athletes who are newer to the competitive aspects of the sport. Sophomore Rachel Kassab is one of those newer skiers, but Carlucci said she has put in the time and effort to show marked improvement in her first year of racing. The coach said Mary Boothroyd and Aashritha Sai Vuppala have a similar approach.

“They have the same sort of attitude where if they make a mistake, they want to

on improving her passing skill and her ability to win possession when the ball is in the air.

When not competing with her high school team, Ciri is a member of FC Stars. The club team plays multiple showcases each year, and Ciri has traveled with the team to Florida, Washington, Tennessee, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, as well as to numerous games around Massachusetts. One skill she has learned — having balanced athletics and academics — that should serve her well in college is time management.

“I leave the house around 6 a.m. and try to get to school early,” she said, noting that her commute can sometimes stretch over an hour. “I get my homework done in the morning so I have time to go to the gym and practice after school.”

winter, spring and summer getting ready for the Division 1 collegiate level.

“The coaches mostly reminded me to work hard during my club season and during the preseason when I get there to earn a spot,” Ciri said. “Every day, you have to work hard, nothing is going to come easy.”

Ciri is a center back, a defensiveminded position. She said she is working

learn from it and get better at skiing,” he said. “And that only makes them better at racing. They want to do better on that next run.”

Michaela Reilly and Ann-Cathrin Martin are two seniors who have approached the season from a standpoint of wanting to have fun and be positive contributors to the team, and Carlucci said they have done just that throughout the winter.

The tight-knit bunch has Carlucci hopeful that Hopkinton can increase its numbers in the season to come and reap the benefit of having a bit more depth as it competes on a weekly basis. Still, he is pleased with the results he has seen from the lineup he has put on the slopes this winter.

“The girls are doing well,” Carlucci said. “The team is small, but it is mighty.”

Ciri still is narrowing down what she wants to study at UNH, but she is looking to business with a focus on marketing. She is setting some lofty goals for the next level on the field as well.

“I want to do well in college and be the best player I can possibly be, whether that’s going to the gym every day or working hard on the field, I want to be the best version of myself,” Ciri said. “I want to contribute to the program at UNH, and hopefully win an America East title.”

UNH-bound soccer player Nina Ciri sits with her family at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School’s signing day.

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Faber won the shot put at most of the team’s dual meets and has peaked toward the end of the season, taking second at the Tri-Valley League Showcase with a personal best of 34 feet, 10.5 inches. She also shines in the weight throw, recording the fourth-best throw in the state. “Kaelyn works hard to become a better thrower,” coach Jean Cann shared. “She sets challenging goals for herself in the weight room and in the circle. She also competes in the dash and hurdles to make herself a better athlete and teammate.”

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Millar isn’t just the top hurdler in the league, he finished a half-second ahead of his nearest competitor in the Tri-Valley League Showcase. He also finished fourth in the 55-meter dash and long jumps over 20 feet. And coach Mike Donahue believes the best is yet to come. “Maturity wise, he’s going to go a long way in the next couple of years,” Donahue said. “And once he gets that confidence, he’ll be even better. I think he’ll be a better collegiate athlete, because he’s not close to coming into his own yet.”

Consistency drives young Hillers boys ski team

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

TheHopkinton High School boys ski team put together a strong season driven by numerous consistent performers. And the best news of all for the Hillers, most of their top talent is slated to return for not one, but two more winters.

“We have a consistent lineup with three boys who will be in or near the top 10 every week and the team has consistently been around fourth or fifth place in the races,” said coach Andrew Carlucci. “We have a lot of sophomores who have been stepping up and learning and doing well.”

Leading the way for Hopkinton is a junior, Barry O’Brien, who Carlucci calls the top boys skier.

“He has been in the top five most of the season.” Carlucci said, referring to O’Brien’s usual spot in the weekly meets. The veteran has brought more to the team than just his position on the slopes.

“He will help coach others and, because he has been doing this for a long time, he can help out other people to make the team a little bit better here and there,” the coach said. “He has a great personality. He is funny and very coachable.”

The rest of Hopkinton’s contributors are sophomores. Patrick Meehan is routinely in the top 10 and sometimes top five individually. Carlucci praised Meehan for his drive.

“He always wants to do well,”

Carlucci said. “He wants to find the small things that can make him better.”

Meehan also is typically the first Hiller down the slopes, Carlucci added, and has taken to giving the rest of the team a bit of a scouting report before they compete.

Sophomore Ethan Boghosian is another strong skier who is on the cusp of being a regular top-10 finisher. Carlucci said he and the other younger athletes lift each other up.

“They have a good dynamic,” he said. “They are competitive, but in the right way. It’s not about disparaging one another, it’s trying to push one another. They want people to do well, and they have done well.”

Two more sophomores, Ryan Dow and James Kirkwood, are similar in ability and the “glue” of the team, according to Carlucci.

“They have great attitudes,” he said. “They are having fun and bringing people into the team and making it into a nice little team community.”

In the short term, Carlucci is hoping to see two or three of his skiers qualify for the MIAA state competition. Going forward, the tight-knit nature of the team and the plethora of young skiers bodes well for the program’s future.

“With those kinds of numbers and the makeup of the team, it’s likely the guys team will be good,” Carlucci said. “They are building that foundation.”

Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.

Kaelyn Faber Girls indoor track and field Junior

Harry Millar Boys indoor track and field Junior

TOPSoccer’s Bruce named Massachusetts Coach of the Year

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

Jessica Bruce, Program Director for Hopkinton Youth Soccer’s TOPSoccer program, recently was recognized as 2024 Coach of the Year by Massachusetts Youth Soccer. She was named as a finalist for 2024 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year as well.

Although she did not win the national award, Bruce said it was an honor to be nominated.

“It’s very incredible and humbling,” she said.

Bruce has been with Hopkinton’s TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) program since it started up in the fall of 2017. The recreational sports program is designed around children and young adults with intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities. It provides a structured environment for “safe, fun, supportive and inclusive” soccer.

In the program, participants run weekly soccer practices that involve warmups, drills and other soccer activities. Each participant is paired with a “buddy” for each practice —

HHS girls hockey co-op eyes playoffs

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

The Hopkinton/Dover-Sherborn girls ice hockey co-op team is rounding into form ahead of the upcoming state tournament, coach Ron Chin said, and the talented mix of veteran players and skilled newcomers has the team primed to make a playoff run.

“All the girls are working really hard and we really have it going right now,” Chin said. “We are playing well.”

Hopkinton/D-S started February with an 8-6-1 overall record. The new year got off to a bit of a bumpy start with three consecutive losses. But the Hillers were able to right the ship after that stretch, posting five wins and a tie over their next six games.

“We are ready to finish the season and do well in the postseason,” the coach said.

The year has been marked by improvement in Chin’s second as coach. He said the forward strides were expected.

“The girls are more familiar with my expectations on how to play the game,” he said. “We have become accustomed to the system, the pace and the things we want to improve on and work on and how we want our game to flow.”

He added, “I am encouraged that they have picked it up so quickly.”

The team has a strong group of contributors from Hopkinton, including a pair of athletes who are not yet in high school. Eighth grader Kelsey MacPherson is one of the team’s top offensive threats at left wing.

“She has made a tremendous difference for us,” Chin said.

Fellow eighth grader Emily Coito is a standout at the other end of the ice as one of the team’s goalies.

“They have both done a great job,” Chin said. “It’s like they are not eighth graders at all. They fit right in.”

Senior forward Savanna Rivera is another strong offensive weapon for Hopkinton/D-S.

“She has been a tremendous leader,” Chin said. “She has also pretty much

doubled her offensive production. She is leading on and off the ice, I can’t say enough about what she has meant to the team and done for the team.”

Junior Lucy Jean is described by her coach as a positive contributor and someone the Hillers can count on all over the ice.

“She is the rock of the team,” Chin said. “We are very dependent on her going both ways, on offense and defense.”

While the spot was not officially locked up, Hopkinton/D-S began February in good shape to qualify for the postseason. Chin said heading toward the tournament, his team needs to take a page from Bill Belichick’s book and make sure everyone is doing their job.

“We want the girls to focus on making a positive contribution every time they are on the ice,” he said. “If everyone does that, I think we can be very competitive in the tournament.”

typically a volunteer from the middle school or high school.

“It’s really wonderful for buddy volunteers,” said Bruce.”They develop a really nice relationship with their players.”

Bruce helped set up TOPSoccer in town after receiving informational material from the state’s youth soccer organization. As an occupational therapist with the Hopkinton Public School system, she understood families were looking for activities their children with special needs could participate in.

“I knew families in town that were looking for a program for their kids to be involved in that they could be successful with,” Bruce explained.

With her work as an occupational therapist combined with prior coaching experience and a high school soccer career, Bruce felt she could make TOPSoccer successful in Hopkinton.

“The combination of those skill sets … I felt comfortable and was able to bring this program to the town,” said Bruce.

Now about to enter its eighth year, TOPSoccer remains robust. The program is capped at 20 participants, and, according to Bruce, typically

there is a wait list. It’s also a regional offering, so players from other towns can participate.

The program’s popularity and Bruce’s hard work have not gone unnoticed locally. Michelle Midkiff, president of Hopkinton Youth Soccer (HYS), praised Bruce’s work and impact.

“We’re excited she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves,” said Midkiff. “She’s been under the radar … and gone unrewarded, unacknowledged for a long time.”

Midkiff also noted the effect the program has had on the community.

“There’s a great big downstream kind of effect, where it helps not only the kids playing the sport but really involves the whole community,” she said.

“I appreciate the town and youth soccer program’s support,” said Bruce. “The HYS board has always been really supportive, making sure our program gets what all the other programs get.”

In regard to what’s next for TOPSoccer, Bruce said she hopes to continue “offering this to as many kids that are able to participate.” She also hopes to keep getting consistent volunteers.

TOPSoccer Program Director Jessica Bruce (right) poses for a photo with team members and volunteers.

PHOTO/MICHELLE MIDKIFF

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.

Joan Swan

M. Joan Swan, age 89, died at home surrounded by her family on Jan. 21, 2025. Joan was born in Buffalo, New York.

Growing up, Joan spent many summers with her family at Muskoka Lake in Ontario, Canada, and loved visiting Niagaraon-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, on the steamship boat Cayuga that her father captained. In 1957, Joan married her childhood sweetheart, Ray Swan, and together they raised four children. From Buffalo, they moved to Liverpool, New York, and then to Hopkinton with Ray’s job. In Hopkinton, Joan worked as a sales clerk at Hopkinton Drug for 17 years. She also volunteered for many hours serving meals at the Hopkinton Senior Center. But her most important hours were spent as a devoted wife, mother and homemaker.

As a family, Joan, Ray and the girls spent many summers camping together, especially loving their trips to Acadia National Park. Joan and Ray also traveled extensively after the girls finished college. For the last 20 years, they annually went back to the Inn on the River on Grand Island, New York, to spend time with lifelong friends.

Joan especially loved to play bridge, and she and Ray also enjoyed playing tennis, through which they formed special and lasting friendships. Joan also enjoyed card games with her children and grandchildren. Joan and Ray spent many hours on their back porch together, playing cards, socializing with friends and watching hummingbirds while enjoying their beautiful yard.

Joan leaves behind her beloved family: Raymond Swan (her husband of nearly 68 years), daughters Janette Koenig (Steven Koenig), Lynette Swan Nealon and Jacqueline Swan (Timothy Smith), six grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Joan is preceded in death by her and Ray’s young son, Michael Swan.

Visitation was held Jan. 26 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors, 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748, or the American Diabetes Association, diabetes.org.

Jon Burke

Jon RV Burke, 37, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 28 after a long and difficult battle with his inner demons. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Cindy (Vyska) Carey of South Carolina and James G. Burke and his wife, Julie, of Hopkinton.

Jon was a 2005 graduate of Keefe Tech in Framingham. He was an artist and loved music, writing, animals and the outdoors. In his younger years, Jon was a dedicated Boy Scout. His wit and sense of humor will be sorely missed by all.

Jon is survived by his brother, Jeremy Vyska of Sweden; his Aunt Eileen and Uncle Gary Burke of Connecticut; his close friend, Holly, and her daughter, Zoey, who was a bright light in Jon’s life; his nephew, Selwyn, and many cousins. He is predeceased by his sister, Jen Vyska.

A funeral service was held Feb. 1 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. Per his request, Jon’s organs were donated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org/chapter/massachusetts.

Virginia Foster

Virginia “Ginny” Foster, 67, a longtime resident of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully on Jan. 28 with her loving family by her side. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Susan (Robinson) Hansen and the late Irving Richard Hansen. She leaves her husband, John, with whom she enjoyed many adventures over their 35 years of marriage.

Church in Hopkinton on Feb. 8. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Virginia “Ginny” Foster to support cancer research and patient care: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.

Arrangements were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Donna Lowell

Surrounded by family, Donna Irene Lowell, a lifelong resident of Hopkinton, died Jan. 23, 2025, at the age of 81.

Donna was married to the love of her life, Charles Francis Lowell, for 53 years prior to his passing in 2019. Donna was a nurturer at heart, evidenced by her 52-year nursing career and her undying dedication to her family and her dogs Fella, Little Fella and Calli.

Donna and Char, as she affectionately called her husband and best friend, were avid travelers. They spent vacations in Aruba and weekends exploring the Cape, New Hampshire and Maine. Donna’s love of travel began in childhood when she spent time on her grandparents’ farm (Grammy and Grampy Wright) and visited relatives in Nova Scotia. They also shared a love of antique collecting, taking a special interest in finding handmade Shaker items, which connected them to their ancestors from the Enfield and Canterbury Shaker Villages in New Hampshire.

A graduate of Hopkinton High School and the Framingham Union Hospital School of Nursing, Donna was a highly respected operating room nurse and nurse manager at Framingham Union Hospital. Her career continued at Leonard Morse Hospital, where she was a beloved nurse manager and coordinator.

Because Donna always was looking for more ways to help others, she traveled to Ecuador to help perform surgeries for those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to needed care. Throughout her life, Donna’s kindness and comforting hand always was outstretched to others.

In addition to John, Ginny is survived by her two beloved children, Abigail Marie Foster of Belmont and Jeffrey Hansen Foster of South Lake Tahoe, California. She also leaves behind sister Lee Marie Bergstrom and husband Scott of Grand Marais, Minnesota; brother-in-law Gregg Strathy of Eugene, Oregon; as well as aunts and uncles Nancy Hansen of Lutsen, Minnesota, and Bonnie and Andy Hastings of Irvine, California. She is predeceased by sister Janette Hansen Strathy and aunts and uncles Marland Hansen and Harvey and Marie Morck.

Ginny will be remembered for her outgoing personality and selflessness, always giving to others in a way that was both extraordinary and heartfelt. Known for being quick with a smile or a fun story, she relished time with friends and loved ones, often hosting parties filled with delicious food and endless laughter. Ginny was at her happiest when surrounded by the people she loved.

A passionate traveler and lover of all things outdoors, Ginny cherished her time at the family cabin on Caribou Lake, where she found both adventure and tranquility while hiking and canoeing.

As a native of Minnesota, Ginny was a skilled skier and avid supporter of Abi and Jeff’s ski racing through the Ski Ward Race Team. During her family’s time with the team, she served in many volunteer capacities, including a term as president. No one could cheer louder on race day than Ginny.

Ginny worked at Sonus Networks for 18 years. She was a technical trainer and traveled the world teaching VoIP technology. After Sonus, Ginny joined Linedata Inc. in a similar capacity.

Ginny also was an active and dedicated member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hopkinton, where she served on the vestry and as a Sunday School teacher.

Services were held at St. Paul’s Episcopal

Donna had many hobbies, including cooking, baking (especially with her granddaughters), listening to music, dancing, reading, weaving Nantucket baskets, needlepoint, quilting and crafting. She embraced the opportunity to share a cup of tea and jumped at the opportunity to bring a smile to others, especially children. Spending time with her husband, family and friends brought her the most joy.

Born in Framingham, Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Edna Ruth (Graham) Titus, her stepfather, Irving Hadley Titus, and her beloved son, Charles Edward Lowell, who passed away in 1987. She also is predeceased by her brother, Douglas Wright.

Donna is survived by her daughter, Donna Marie Lowell-Bettencourt (Troy) of Edgartown; brother, Donald Wright (Marilyn) of Citrus Heights, California; sister, Debbie Peddle of Bellingham; sister, Darlene Montville of Hopkinton; and five grandchildren, Holly White (Will) of Millis; Alex Bettencourt, Luke Bettencourt, Charlotte Delasin (Zachary) and Jovanna Lowell-Bettencourt, all of Edgartown. Donna also leaves six greatgrandchildren, Charlie, Juliet and Maddie White, Charlie Bettencourt, and Lowell and Juniper Delasin, as well as many very special nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Jan. 28 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital Boston (bostonchildrens.org/ giveinmemory), or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).

To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.

Trails Club Monthly Meeting Feb. 12

The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. (note earlier start time) at the Hopkinton Public Library. The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Trails Club Walk at Pratt Farm Feb. 15

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a tour of Pratt Farm on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. The walk will start at the Fruit Street fields parking lot and head northeast toward Pratt Farm. The trails wind through woods, along Whitehall Brook and around the Pratt Farm fields. Depending upon how the winter goes, this could be a walking tour, a cross country ski tour or a snowshoe tour. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Trail Volunteer Day March 1

The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. The next workday is Feb. 1. For details, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

HopSwap at HMS March 15

HopSwap, an annual community-wide tag sale event to reuse children’s clothing and items, will be held Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Hopkinton Middle School cafeteria and gym. Donated items will be accepted on Friday, March 14, from 3-8 p.m. at HMS. Proceeds benefit the HPTO and Hopkinton Moms Group. For more information, visit the HopSwap Facebook page.

Baypath Fur Ball Fundraiser March 28

Baypath Humane Society’s 13th annual Fur Ball Gala will be held Friday, March 28, from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Verve Hotel in Natick. This year’s event has a theme of Northern Lights. The event will include a number of live and silent auction items. Tickets are $150 and include dinner, entertainment and dancing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baypathhumane.org.

Family Fling at Town Common March 29

The Friends of Hopkinton and the Hopkinton Lions present the annual Family Fling, a community day at the Town Common, on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, visit the Friends of Hopkinton Facebook page.

Team Hoyt Memorial Road Race May 24

The Team Hoyt Memorial Road Race will take place Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m., starting and finishing at Marathon School. The event includes a 5-mile race,

10 to Feb. 27 |

Artists Barney Levitt and Yulia Dvorah Shtern present vibrant and playful animal portraits, encouraging viewers to reflect on the role of the animal kingdom in daily life and efforts to protect the planet. There will an artists’ reception Feb. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

Ball In The House | Feb. 14 @ 8 p.m.

HCA is thrilled to welcome back to our stage, Ball In The House! This band is an R&B/Soul/Pop a cappella group based out of Boston, whose high-energy shows have audiences singing, dancing, and even beatboxing along! With their extensive tour schedule, Ball In The House has performed everywhere — from theaters to performing arts centers, fairs and festivals, to opening for some of the biggest acts in the world, such as The Beach Boys, The Jonas Brothers, The Temptations, Fantasia, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Jessica Simpson, Blondie, Smokey Robinson, KC & The Sunshine Band, Diamond Rio, Colin Raye, Orleans, and numerous others.

| Feb. 20 @ 6:30 p.m.

Artful Connections is a social justicelensed open mic-style event where artists offer music, poetry, readings, and spoken word. Each evening features a host who kicks off with a presentation, performance, and discussion relevant to that evening’s theme and the host’s work. Then, guests can add their words, music, and art to the conversation. We welcome all to RSVP, whether or not they will be performing. Refreshments are available.

Petty Larceny: Tom Petty Tribute Band March 1 @ 8 p.m.

The Petty Larceny Band is an awardwinning group of musicians runnin’ down their dream to bring you all your favorite Tom Petty songs… and more! For more than a decade, the Petty Larceny Band has been bringing the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers to life throughout New England. Winners of three consecutive Worcester Music Awards as “Best Tribute Band,” and with our lead singer recently named “Best Male Vocalist.” Petty Larceny also covers songs from the Traveling Wilburys, Mudcrutch, and Stevie Nicks.

2-mile walk and kids fun run. The event also is looking for volunteers. Proceeds benefit the Hoyt Foundation. For more information, visit TeamHoyt.com.

Timlin Event at Hopkinton High School June 14

Registration is open for the 22nd annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, which will be held at Hopkinton High School on Saturday, June 14. The 5K road race and family fun day is a fundraiser for The Angel Fund for ALS Research. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the family fun day activities with live music, food, games, raffles, a silent auction and other activities — including a kids color run — until noon. There also is a virtual option. For more information or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

MBCC Against the Tide at Hopkinton State Park June 14

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host its annual Against the Tide event on Saturday, June 14, at Hopkinton State Park. The event features multiple competitions and recreational activities, including a half-mile or 1-mile swim, a 5K or 10K run and a 3-mile fitness walk. Proceeds benefit MBCC’s work toward breast cancer prevention, locally and nationally. For more information and to register, visit mbcc.org/swim.

Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month

The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508497-9730.

NEW Art Exhibition: Magic and Whimsy, Critters at Play Feb.

Lotvin Family Gallery

Artful Connections with host Namrata Mathur

Event Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

police log

ARRESTS

Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.

January 25

4:46 p.m. Sgt. William Burchard, Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Adam Rowe and Nicholas Saletnik responded to a report of a vehicle driving into a house on Oakhurst Road. No damage to the house was reported, and no personal injuries were sustained. The Marlborough Police Department was contacted for identification, and the vehicle subsequently was confirmed as stolen. A 45-year-old resident of Framingham was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a police officer, larceny of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor.

Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

January 21

7:53 a.m. A motorist reported a school bus hit her car, but the driver did not seem to realize it. Sgt. Matthew Santoro responded to Hayden Rowe Street and took a motor vehicle accident report.

7:56 a.m. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Aline Matos responded

to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. A baby in the vehicle was evaluated. No personal injuries were reported.

9:15 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle with its hazards on, parked on the side of the road on Clinton Street. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil responded and reported the operator had crashed and had a tow en route. He appeared to be sleeping. A verbal warning was issued for a handsfree violation and a stop sign violation. A report was taken.

9:56 p.m. A Pond Street caller reported two vehicles at the end of his

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driveway for the past five minutes or so. While on the phone with 911, the caller stated a male came to his door asking to borrow tools to help his daughter, whose car spun out on the roadway. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and assisted. A tow truck was requested for a winch out. The vehicle was removed, and it was undamaged.

9:58 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik came across a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road on Elm Street and found a person vomiting. The male refused any medical attention.

January 22

1:12 a.m. A Walcott Street resident reported a work truck parked in the street in violation of the winter parking ban. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and issued a ticket.

1:22 a.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio checked on an occupied vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street and found four college students talking. They were advised to move their vehicle into the high school parking lot.

4:18 p.m. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Benjamin Vaz responded to a motor vehicle accident on South Street and subsequently issued a written warning for marked lanes violation and a verbal warning for an expired registration. No personal injuries were reported. The driver made his own transportation arrangements.

January 23

7:48 a.m. Officer Aline Matos checked on a person riding a scooter in the middle of the roadway on Hayden Rowe Street and advised him to move to the sidewalk.

8:33 a.m. Officers Matthew Latour and Benjamin Vaz responded to a motor vehicle crash on Hayden Rowe Street and took a report.

8:49 a.m. An Ursla Drive resident reported an iPad was stolen, and he needed a report in order for it to be replaced. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officer Aline Matos responded and took a report.

8:51 a.m. A motorist reported two commercial tool boxes fell off the back of a truck and onto the roadway on West Main Street and were causing a road hazard. Officer Benjamin Vaz responded and removed the items.

7:57 p.m. A motorist on Tammer Lane reported a Jeep Wrangler with high beams on was following her closely and being a nuisance. The caller was advised to head toward the Police Station. She did, and the Jeep continued to follow her closely. Officer Noah Buentello responded, caught up with the Jeep and issued a verbal warning to the driver for following too closely.

11:53 p.m. A caller reported seeing an Enterprise box truck on Weston Nurseries property on East Main Street, something unusual for that time of night. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Adam Rowe responded and spoke with an individual who was making a delivery. All was OK.

January 24

1:00 a.m. A caller reported a white work truck parked on Walcott Street in violation of the winter parking ban. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and issued a ticket.

11:23 a.m. A caller reported a white dog with brown spots and a purple bandana running in and out of traffic on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Brian Ziniti checked the area with a negative find.

12:30 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle doing doughnuts in a South Street parking lot. Officers Brian Ziniti and Noah Buentello responded, and the vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

3:19 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Benjamin Vaz responded to a motor vehicle accident on South Street. No personal injuries were reported.

4:02 p.m. A School Street resident reported a suspicious red car pulled into her driveway, and a person got out and knocked on the caller’s door. The caller did not answer. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

4:22 p.m. A Gina Drive caller reported a vehicle hit his mailbox and drove off. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded, viewed the damage, and took a report.

5:20 p.m. A caller reported someone took a credit card out in his name. The incident of fraud was logged.

11:00 p.m. A caller reported a male wearing a hood and carrying a backpack was attempting to gain access to the school. His vehicle was parked in the school lot. He drove away and headed toward Milford. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Sean McKeon and Adam Rowe responded and checked the area with a negative find.

January 25

9:38 a.m. A Clinton Street resident reported squirrels in her house. Officer Noah Buentello responded and advised the caller of proper 911 usage. He assisted, and the problem was resolved.

1:55 p.m. A caller reported youths setting a bonfire on the ice on Woodview Way. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded along with the Fire Department.

8:42 p.m. A South Mill Street resident complained about the parking situation in the neighborhood. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and reported there were a few vehicles sticking out in the roadway. He spoke with the person assisting with parking at the event, and the vehicles were to be moved.

January 26

12:44 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin notified Verizon about a small fallen tree on wires on Front Street.

11:20 a.m. A caller reported a gasoline spill at a Main Street gas station. Officer Brian Ziniti responded along with the Fire Department, and the spill was taken care of.

6:46 p.m. A caller reported a dead animal in the roadway on Pleasant

police log

Street. Officers Robert Ekross and Aline Matos responded, removed the animal and notified the DPW.

9:48 p.m. A Woodview Way resident reported hearing yelling coming from an apartment. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Robert Ekross and Aline Matos responded and found all clear. A person was just talking loudly on the phone.

January 27

1:28 a.m. The Milford Police Department requested a check and ID for a motor vehicle involved in a larceny in Milford. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Sean McKeon located the individual on Teresa Road and notified Milford.

12:08 p.m. A Spring Lane caller requested to speak with an officer about a no trespass to Whitehall because of a possible four-wheeler on the trails. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted and took a report.

2:26 p.m. A caller reported he was supposed to buy a car from a person in town, and it turned into a verbal altercation. Sgt. William Burchard took a report of a disturbance.

6:37 p.m. A walk-in who was house-sitting for a friend reported finding a balloon inside the house, but no one else had access to the house. She requested officers search the home, as she was worried it could have been her ex, who she is afraid of and has a restraining order against. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Peter Lord checked the house, spoke with the reporting person and took a report.

January 28

8:04 a.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Noah Buentello and Aline Matos responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

11:59 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell in the roadway on School Street. Officers Nicholas Walker and Noah Buentello responded, set up cones and notified the DPW.

1:23 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officer Aline Matos removed tree branches from the roadway on Wilson Street.

1:24 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell on Spring Street, and the road was completely blocked. Officers Noah Buentello and Aline Matos responded and notified the DPW. The tree was cleared.

4:41 p.m. An Apple Tree Road caller reported a drone was in the area all day, and it landed in her driveway. She moved it to the grass.

8:35 p.m. A caller reported a large branch hanging over a Verizon wire and hovering over the roadway on West Elm Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded and contacted Verizon.

January 29

3:50 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officers Robert Ekross and Aline Matos responded and took a report.

4:54 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported stolen jewelry. Officers Matthew LaTour and Adam Rowe spoke with the caller and took a report.

5:52 p.m. A walk-in brought in a pistol and ammunition, which belonged to a deceased relative, and wanted it destroyed. Officer Peter Lord assisted.

8:04 p.m. A motorist reported he hit a deer on East Main Street, and it was alive and in the roadway. Officer Adam Rowe responded and dispatched the deer. The animal control officer was notified.

8:50 p.m. A Peter Porcaro Drive caller reported an unknown person banging on her door and a possibly teal-colored car in the driveway. She also heard footsteps in the backyard. The caller was advised to lock herself and her younger brother in a

room until officers arrived. The caller’s father was on the way home. Officers Robert Ekross, Matthew LaTour, Peter Lord, Aline Matos and Adam Rowe responded to investigate and take a report.

9:03 p.m. A caller reported a red or orange Camaro driving on Main Street near the Town Common toward Ashland with an occupant flashing a green laser into other vehicles. The Ashland Police Department was notified.

January 31

4:22 p.m. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two cars on Main Street. A report was taken.

8:32 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on East Main Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report.

February 1

10:32 a.m. Sgt. William Burchard checked on a report of a sidewalk sinking in on Walcott Street. He placed cones in an area and notified the DPW. 11:15 a.m. Officer Augusto Diaz responded to a motor vehicle accident involving personal injury on Chamberlain Street. One person was transported to the hospital. Officer Augusto Diaz took a crash report.

4:53 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield was flagged down by a driver on Saddle Hill Road who stated that he just hit mirrors with another vehicle. Sgt. Schofield located the other vehicle and then checked back with the reporting person. The damage was minor.

8:46 p.m. A Deneen Road resident reported the driver of a vehicle and other occupants threw a bunch of rocks at her house. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Augusto Diaz responded and reported it was not rocks but BBs from a BB gun. Sgt. Schofield followed up at another address, where the same incident happened. A report followed.

February 2

11:14 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a building on West Main Street, and everyone exited the car. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Nicholas Walker and Brian Ziniti responded. A tow truck removed the vehicle. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Walker provided a courtesy transport home for the driver.

11:49 a.m. The Holliston Police Department requested assistance placing a male in his 50s into custody for a mental health evaluation. Officer Brian Ziniti responded to Washington Street to assist.

12:30 p.m. A Leman Lane resident reported someone shot his window with a BB gun. Officer Nicholas Walker responded, took a report and checked the neighborhood for security cameras.

1:39 p.m. A caller reported that he owns a property on Wood Street, and his tenants intentionally damaged it. Officers Nicholas Walker and Brian Ziniti responded and took a report.

2:28 p.m. The Environmental Police reported a Lakeshore Drive resident complained of dirt bikes operating on Sandy Beach. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and spoke with two bikers riding on the ice. All was OK.

2:37 p.m. A Main Street caller reported her vehicle was hit sometime in the past two weeks. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and took a hit-andrun motor vehicle accident report.

February 3

11:13 a.m. A Frostpane Lane caller reported his father was out for a walk, and a man in a pickup

truck with a plow attempted to run him over. His father was able to run away. Officer Noah Buentello responded, spoke with the caller and stayed in the area to check camera footage. A report was to follow.

February 4

12:42 p.m. A Wood Street caller asked for assistance getting his children’s kayaks back from his ex-wife’s exboyfriend. Officer Noah Buentello assisted and contacted the ex-boyfriend.

1:10 p.m. A caller reported her vehicle was stuck in the snow on Legacy Farms North. Officer Noah Buentello responded to assist. No personal injuries were reported. The driver made her own arrangements with AAA.

7:16 p.m. A caller requested an officer come to the high school on Hayden Rowe Street where a parent from the opposing team was removed from a game. The caller was concerned about retaliation. Officers Robert Ekross and Kyle Quinzani responded and reported the individual left the premises.

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