Hopkinton Independent, March 7

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 7 | April 7, 2021

Mental Health Collaborative aids students

By Michelle Sanford Contributing Writer

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PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

t’s been more than a year that the country has been dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that the pandemic has taken a toll on so many individuals’ mental health. With National Mental Health Awareness Month coming up in May, the Hopkinton-based Mental Health Collaborative (MHC) wants to make it known there is help out there and it’s important to reach out for it.

The nonprofit organization’s mission is to build resilient communities through mental health education and awareness.

MHC founder and executive director Abbie Rosenberg has seen how the pandemic has affected people of all ages, in many different ways.

“As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on people’s lives, MHC is continuously trying to help by providing programming in schools and other community organizations,” she said.

WATERED DOWN

Hopkinton High School junior and event organizer Bianca Pal (left) douses herself with water alongside classmate Lisa Levandosky as part of the Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics. The event was held March 26 behind the high school, raising about $5,000.

Collaborative | 24

Community rallies against anti-Asian bigotry

INSIDE

By Evanya Mathur Contributing Writer

Beattie recognized for efforts to help struggling students

VIEWPOINT

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NEWS

Town Election rescheduled; party caucuses this week

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Rally | 5

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SPORTS

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

crowd of about 200 people turned out at the Town Common on March 20 for a rally and march to bring awareness to racially charged sentiments of hate against Asian-Americans.

One week later, the New England Chinese American Alliance, partnering with 35 local organizations, held a Rally & Run To Stop Asian Hate along the course of the Boston Marathon, starting in Hopkinton.

The March 20 event, organized by the Hopkinton Chinese American Association, with help from the Hopkinton Freedom Team, lasted about an hour. The participants held signs and

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Participants march around the Town Common showing support for the Asian community during the March 20 rally.

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Hopkinton Independent The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,200 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

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Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Jean Cann, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Mary Ellen Gambon

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FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com

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Award-winning educator Beattie driven to help struggling students

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big emphasis has been placed on social emotional learning lately, with schools realizing the importance of developing more well-rounded children and addressing mental health concerns as early as possible.

Hopkinton’s Jessica Beattie has been on the forefront of this movement, and due in large part to such efforts she recently was named the Paul J. Hunter Assistant Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association for her work INDEPENDENT at the Robert Adams THOUGHTS Middle School in Holliston.

JERRY SPAR After being nominated, Beattie had to provide written information about her job and accomplishments, then, after being selected as a finalist, go through interviews with current and former administrators.

“I was very excited to be chosen, but the process was nerve-wracking,” she said.

“I’m not a person that toots my own horn by any means, so it’s hard to self-promote, especially when I feel that much of my success is due to all the teachers around me.

My building is not going to be successful if I don’t have great staff and students that want to do well and a community behind me that wants to support their students and support their teachers to do really well.

“So to me it was really humbling, but also, I said to my staff when they named me — everybody was so excited for me, which is great — but I said, ‘I really owe it all to you. Without you guys I wouldn’t be in the position I am in.’ ” Beattie in particular said she owes a great deal of gratitude to principal David Jordan and student services director Kelly Camp.

“Both of them really pushed me to get

Jessica Beattie

into administration and have continued to kind of mentor me through this entire process,” she said. “I do owe a lot to those two administrators.”

Jordan was effusive in his praise of his co-worker.

“Mrs. Beattie is the most dedicated educator I have been around in my career,” he stated. “She is thoughtful, compassionate, hard-working, and creative. Additionally, she has an ability to work through some of the most complex problems in education in ways that show an acute awareness of family and student needs, and public school realities. On a personal level, she is joyful, humorous, and kind, making those around her feel appreciated, validated and respected.”

Beattie (nee Kinney), grew up in Hopkinton, and she said she had her own issues when she was a student. That played a role in her decision to focus on the social emotional aspect of learning.

“I just have a passion for helping kids with social emotional growth,” she said. “I always struggled in school as a kid. That was something I really, really had a passion for, was helping those kids who didn’t feel Independent thoughts | 3

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The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 3 Independent thoughts | from page 2

like they had a voice, or felt like they were struggling and couldn’t find their way out.”

After getting a sociology degree from Framingham State and while studying for her master’s in social work from Boston College, Beattie spent two years working at a residential facility in Worcester, which she called “eye-opening relative to student trauma.”

She then landed a job at the middle school in Holliston as an adjustment counselor.

“They kind of approached me with this idea and said they would like to try to maintain more students in their district so that they don’t feel so ostracized and they can be with their peers and kids they’ve grown up with, so how do we do that?”

Beattie recalled. “We created a model that essentially was a whole program within a building where the students could integrate into general ed classes but they had the flexibility to stay in my program as often and as much as they needed, with the thought we’ve always had, and still do to this day, is it’s not intended to be a room where kids stay all the time, because less restrictive is best. That’s in all data. We want kids to be able to learn the strategies and interventions and then apply them within a general ed setting to be with their peers. Because being with peers who can also model for the struggling students is what’s going to get those struggling students to learn as well.

“So I opened a program there for students who would be sent out of district for social emotional struggles. I led the program as a social worker and I had a special ed teacher with me. We kept many kids in district, and other districts were sending their kids to us, which was great.

We grew that program, which is now in every building in the district.”

Beattie then became a guidance counselor for almost 14 years before taking the job as assistant principal four years ago.

Looking ahead, Beattie said she would consider seeking employment in the Hopkinton Public Schools, but only after her two children have graduated. She’d also be happy remaining in Holliston.

“I would love to continue to make progress in the building I’m in,” she said.

“I have no thoughts on leaving anytime soon. I really love the Holliston community. My desire would be to either become the principal of that building or work at some level as a social emotional director of the Holliston school district or another school district, just aligning social emotional support for students across a district.

Given the pandemic, I think it’s even more important to have a position that way.

This helps students understand the trauma they’ve endured in this pandemic and the

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regression that every student is really facing at this point, and how important it is to help teachers feel solid in that area and help students grow.

“I say to my teachers all the time, if we’re not helping the whole child then we’re not really helping the child at all.

Because they can’t learn academic skills if they don’t know how to make good choices and they’re not solidly grounded in their own emotional state. That’s my real passion. But I love what I’m doing.

I think the harder thing for me to go to a top district level would be my lack of connection with students. I just love being in a building and having the kids around me.

It pushes my desire.”

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HHS’ Sanborn honored Congratulations also go out to Hopkinton High School athletic administrator Louise Sanborn, who recently was named the Outstanding Athletic Administrative Assistant for the 2020-21 season by the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association. She was nominated by second-year HHS athletic director Rich Cormier and received a recommendation from former athletic director Dee King.

“Lou is an absolutely indispensable part of our department and our school,” Cormier stated. “Personally, Lou has helped me tremendously in my two years as we’ve navigated the challenges associated with EEE [Eastern equine encephalitis] and the pandemic during that time.

“Lou works tirelessly behind the scenes, often working well beyond her required hours, yet never wants any of the credit. She is kind, professional and personable in every interaction which has resulted in earning the utmost respect from students, families, coaches and administration.”

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Viewpoint Hybrid learning should remain at HHS The State of Massachusetts has mandated discontinuing the hybrid schooling model, allowing only fully in-person or remote for the rest of this school year. As a Hopkinton High School (HHS) senior, I oppose this because it prohibits school systems from deciding what’s best for them. At HHS, full-time, in-person schooling will not meet safety standards for students or teachers.

The overwhelming majority of students and teachers I’ve talked with agree.

The state mandate does not consider the COVID infection rate.

The CDC guideline on reopening school is fewer than 50 LETTERS TO new COVID cases per 100,000 people in a week (0.05%). In THE EDITOR Hopkinton schools, of about 4,330 staff and students, there were 22 new COVID cases between March 10-17 (0.5%), an infection rate 10 times greater than the CDC guideline.

At HHS, with more students present every day, there will only be 4 feet between desks compared to 6 feet with hybrid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises at least 6 feet apart to prevent the spread of COVID. When switching classes, the hallways and staircases will be packed, with people routinely bumping each other. This year, one staircase is closed, crowding even more people into the other two.

Since September, most Hopkinton students have done hybrid, became comfortable with it, and even see advantages, such as working more independently.

Hybrid will end at HHS on April 26. The last day of school is June 18, and May 26 for seniors. It will be difficult to adopt new routines with less than two months remaining. The school must change seating arrangements, curriculums and schedules in a short time frame, adding stress and taking time away from educating students.

A student can switch from hybrid to fully remote, but not all classes would be available. These students will have to change classes with only one to two months left of school and will lose the social interaction they had with hybrid.

The state’s mandate does not take into account what works best for the students, in my view. All schools are not the same and should not be subject to identical reopening mandates. At HHS, the benefits of fully in-person learning are outweighed by the safety and educational risks. Massachusetts should allow schools to make the best decisions for their own districts, and Hopkinton should continue hybrid to make safety and education paramount.

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In times when everyone seems to be choosing sides, the recent COVID vaccination clinic at the Senior Center should receive unanimous celebration within the community.

From the registration process through the second shot, it was handled efficiently and cheerfully. The police, firefighters and other staff worked tirelessly to serve everyone, and I don’t think a single person who received his or her vaccination shots there would argue that.

Regardless of one’s political beliefs, I hope we can all feel grateful to those who organized this clinic, and those who served at the Senior Center.

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Kudos to town for vaccine distribution We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Town of Hopkinton for its efficient administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Starting with the Board of Health, thank you for setting up the process for the staff at the Senior Center with the scheduling, to the Fire Department from Chief Slaman down to the paramedics who administered the two doses of vaccine. Very well done!

When you are young, one year out of your lifetime is probably not a big deal. When you get to be 80, one year is a big deal. Maybe shortly we can get back to a “near normal” life again, seeing family, friends, neighbors and others we’d like to see. Once again eating out, traveling, movies, theater, sports, etc.

Thank you again for getting our lives started back to normal!

— William and Alice Hamilton, Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent.

Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions, check the Hopkinton Independent website (HopkintonIndependent.com) and click on the Contact header, then on Editorial Deadlines.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 5

Hopkinton shows support for Asian community Fanmao Zhang makes his feelings known at the March 20 rally at the Town Common while standing next to his daughter, Natalie.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

“[Many people] will wonder why the superintendent of schools has written such a blog,” Cavanaugh wrote. “I will tell you why I’ve written it. Because by talking about it, I am opening and encouraging dialogue in our community. I’m encouraging all of us to stand with our neighbors and friends of Asian descent. I am no longer a bystander, but rather an upstander. I only regret that it has taken a life-taking tragedy for me and for others to speak out.”

According to a study of police department statistics across major American cities, from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University-San Bernardino, anti-

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marched around the Common chanting, “Stop Asian hate,” “Hate is a virus,” and, “We are Americans, too.”

The event was held in response to last month’s fatal shootings of six AsianAmerican spa employees in the Atlanta area. That act of violence was the breaking point for many Asian-Americans, who have been plagued by fear due to a rise in hate incidents since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, this bigotry has been an ongoing struggle for Asian-Americans, said Jingjin Huang, a member of the Hopkinton Chinese American Association and organizer of the march.

“Recently it seems like the antiAsian attacks have reached their peaks, with the Atlanta attacks and the blatant sexualization of the deaths of these older women are making me realize that we simply cannot move on from this,” Huang said. “My generation of AsianAmericans have kept silent and worked hard in the hopes that racism against our community will eventually fade, but this is not enough.”

Kevin Gu, a junior at Hopkinton High School, was a speaker at the event.

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My generation of AsianAmericans have kept silent and worked hard in the hopes that racism against our community will eventually fade, but this is not enough.

— Event organizer Jingjin Huang “I actually felt really scared when offering to give a speech at the march,” Gu said. “But I said to myself, you know what, I have to be brave and speak up.

The issues that have been transpiring throughout our society recently should not be covered up, and this is finally our community’s time to call out these injustices.”

Superintendent of schools Carol Cavanaugh recently came out with a blog post showing support for the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Asian hate crimes have increased by 150 percent during the pandemic, with 122 reported in 2020.

Many incidents have made headlines in the early months of 2021. In New York, an Asian-American woman was hit across the head with an umbrella while her assailants yelled racially charged slurs. In Texas, a man stabbed a Burmese-American man and his two young children. The attacker told police he believed they were Chinese and infecting people with the coronavirus.

In a survey done in July 2020 by the Pew Research Center, 3 in 10 Asian Americans reported hearing racial slurs since the beginning of the pandemic.

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

Marshall Ave. residents object to construction staging area Fencing has been set up around the Carrigan Field parking lot on Marshall Avenue, where construction equipment and materials are to be stored for the Main Street Corridor Project.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

A

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

number of Marshall Avenue residents spoke out about the storage of construction materials for the Main Street Corridor Project at the Carrigan Field parking lot on their dead-end street, saying it would negatively impact the lives of small children and residents with disabilities.

Pam Loch, who lives on Marshall Avenue with her husband of 23 years, said in an interview that residents were only notified of the usage of the parking lot “two days before a community meeting about it.”

The Parks & Recreation Commission held a community meeting on March 17, and residents voiced their concerns to the commission, town manager Norman Khumalo, Select Board member Brian Herr and town engineer Dave Daltorio.

What was a major concern to her, Loch said, was having huge pieces of pipe and other construction equipment and the vehicles to move them going in and out of the lot from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. “for the next two or three years.”

“They said that this would be a time-saving measure that could cut a

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up the street safely. She also fears for the residents of the group home run by the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center that abuts her home.

“The clients walk up the street all the time to go to town,” she said. “I don’t think anyone thought about that.

Even [last] week when my husband and I walked up the street, there were piles of dirt that had to be moved out of the way so that we could get by.”

In addition, she said she was worried about families with young children

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on the street and others, like herself, who have asthma. The dust from the last project exacerbated their breathing issues.

Some of these concerns were brought up and addressed at the March 17 meeting.

Khumalo said at that meeting that the property, while utilized by the Parks & Rec Department, is under the control of the town, which acknowledges “the level and depth of the concerns the abutters have about the proposal.”

Because of the issues residents had with previous construction work, Khumalo said the contractor will only be allowed to be on the site from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Vehicles will not be allowed to idle and will be requested to make only the minimal amount of trips necessary to complete a task.

Khumalo added that there will be a phone number provided for residents to call to report disturbances.

“We heard loud and clear from the neighbors about the issue of dust,” he added, noting that there has to be a dust mitigation plan in place with the contractor. A chain-link fence has been installed around the playground with a locked gate to guard the construction materials. The town has told the contractor that particulate matter cannot be stored on the site.

Department of Public Works director John Westerling said that the town could use gravel at the lot to help mitigate the impact of the dust.

One of those most severely impacted by the dust is abutter Devin McNamara. Both he and his wife have asthma, and he said they were severely impacted by the last construction project.

“She — I’m not going to say was almost hospitalized — but her asthma was Staging | 7

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 7

Town Hall Q&A: Principal assessor John Neas We are responsible for raising revenue from real estate taxes, from personal property taxes and motor vehicles. And when we determine all those values we have to meet certain division of local services standards in order to certify every year in order to set a tax rate.”

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

J

ohn Neas became Hopkinton’s principal assessor in 2015, after serving in a similar role in Norfolk. A native of Framingham and an alumnus of Boston College, Neas resides in Franklin, where he previously served on the Board of Assessors.

Neas is president of the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) and has taught courses for the MAAO as well as UMass.

HI: Is your department working on or has it recently completed any big projects?

Hopkinton Independent: How did you get started in this career?

John Neas: “I originally worked for a little while in real estate sales, in listing and brokering. I didn’t like that too much, though. Then I managed a real estate office for a while. In one of those offices I set up an appraisal division, which is how I got started in valuation. Then in 1983 and for about 25 or 30 years formed my own appraisal

Marshall Ave. residents object to construction staging area Staging | from page 6

very acutely exacerbated at that point with the dust,” he said at the meeting.

He added that he has installed air quality and sound monitors so that he can provide data feedback on the current project.

McNamara’s other concern was the escalation of this area for use as a staging area for multiple years “with no real warning and no communications.”

“I think, from my perspective, I’m very concerned about hearing what the proposed use is and hearing some of our concerns be downplayed,” he said. During the previous construction situation, he alleged that residents’ concerns were “seemingly ignored” and nearly resulted in legal action by abutters.

“We’re very concerned about the proposal and the impact that it’s going to have on our family and our neighbors as well for the duration of the project,” added resident David Lopez, who noted that he and his wife have a 1-year-old and a 5-year-old.

“This noise and dust and activity are going to be in front of our house for pretty much the whole time this project is going on, if I understand everybody right,” he continued. “And that’s a very long time.”

Herr said many residents are being asked to make sacrifices.

“It’s going to be tough for everybody,” he said. “I’ve made it clear that I don’t really like the sign out in my front yard that says, ‘Construction. Beware.’ ” Herr added that Town Meeting voted for the project to go forward, and that the town is obligated by the state to complete it because it is primarily being funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

“We don’t have a choice in the matter,” Herr said. “We need to do the work.

We are contractually obligated to do the work. And part of that work is staging the materials along the corridor. If we don’t do it in this parking lot, it will be on Marshall Ave.”

John Neas is the town’s principal assessor.

company, worked basically for myself.

Then I worked for Avery Associates in Acton for about five years. After that I decided to transition into assessing. I wanted to stay in the valuation field, but I was looking for something a little bit different and with a little more security.

I went to Norfolk first, in January 2009, then I came to Hopkinton in 2015.”

HI: What drew you to Hopkinton?

Neas: “I came to Hopkinton for salary reasons, but it was a community I had always wanted to come to. I never thought the former assessor [Bob Bushway] would retire. He moved to a position in Milton, which opened up Hopkinton. It doesn’t have a lot of commercial and industrial property but it does have more than what I had in Norfolk. It’s a very exciting place, Hopkinton.”

HI: What are your primary responsibilities?

Neas: “The primary responsibility is to maintain accurate and reliable information on all the taxable property in town.

Neas: “We recently put together a Senior Solutions Guidebook, and we have that both online on the [town] website and in hard copy at the Senior Center. It basically helps take the seniors through every type of exemption that they are eligible for. We’re kind of proud of that in terms of helping them. We’ve also done a program with them at the Senior Center, and we did a program on cable TV with the Senior Center. We also in Hopkinton a couple of years ago instituted a new program, which is Senior Tax Relief, and it’s tied into the state’s circuit breaker program. It had to be done by home rule petition. As assessors we are trying to make it statewide, but right now there’s probably only a half a dozen or so communities that have it.

So we’re kind of proud of that program.

You have to qualify, there are obviously to all of these issues income and asset limitations, but that program has given away as much as $2,200 in tax relief to a qualified senior. We also have a lot of different exemptions for seniors, hardship cases, veterans, people that are blind, people that are over 65 or 70 in age, and a senior work program where they can spend some time working in town and earning some credit toward their taxes.”

HI: What are the biggest challenges in your job?

Neas: “One of them is certainly data collection, and with the pandemic that’s been even more difficult. We have a number of situations where we need to inspect property. We have something called the cyclical inspection program,

Let’s

where the state requires us to look at every property in town at least once every 10 years, both exterior and interior if possible. We have people that call and they want us to do an inspection of the property. We have abatement applications that are filed when people think their property is overvalued. The inspection program to maintain accurate records is a big part of our program, and in the pandemic, obviously with the limitations and without going to do many of those inspections it’s been quite a challenge. We have faced that in one way by subscribing to some new aerial imagery which gives us aerial and oblique and all kinds of images of property and helps us to see some changes that we would normally see if we were out in the field in person. So that has been a challenge.”

HI: What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

Neas: “I think it’s two things: Making sure that our values are fair and equitable, so that all of the residents are treated well. And it’s also meeting with and discussing issues with residents in town, property owners in town.

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

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Wilson Street solar developer addresses stormwater concerns

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he Planning Board at its March 29 meeting voted 6-1 in favor of three respective amendments to the solar special permit and stormwater management permit for the proposed 2.4-megawatt solar array off Wilson Street.

David Paul opposed the motions.

“I just want to go on record that I don’t think it’s a good idea to put these panels so close together,” he said. “I’m not going to support it.”

The applicant, Grasshopper Energy, has been working with town consultant BETA Group on a stormwater management system that would incorporate a shade- and drought-tolerant seed mix that could thrive underneath the solar panels, which are to be packed more closely together than in a typical array.

Christopher King of Atlantic Design Engineers, speaking on behalf of the applicant, explained that the array configuration and the land management plan done

by Goddard Consulting has been updated since the last meeting two weeks ago with input from BETA. “We feel that it’s been vetted not only by BETA but we’ve also asked for input from Matt Varrell, who oversees the peer review for the Conservation Commission,” he said. “We’ve implemented their recommendations. We’ve listened to the Planning Board specifically at the last hearing and updated the contingency plan to put an emphasis on

HopkintonIndependent.com

seed as our first contingency, if you will.”

He added that multiple seeding attempts would be tried if the first one were to fail.

“We believe in the science of the seed mix,” King continued, saying that it is “perfect for underneath the panels.” He noted that Grasshopper “historically has had a hard time controlling vegetation” rather than encouraging it to grow.

Phil Paradis, on behalf of BETA, said there would be “as little regrading as possible,” which would reduce the soil disturbance.

“We discussed a few different things that they implemented in the sequence,” he said. At Varrell’s suggestion, polyacrylamide additives are going to be added to phase one of the contingency plan to the soil to prevent erosion.

“They certainly have a bigger toolbox to use,” Paradis said, noting that plants, jute mats and rock could be added in additional phases. The site will be monitored biweekly during the construction with a biologist, and then quarterly thereafter.

“I think if we work closely with the contractor, the site can be stabilized properly,” Paradis added.

Planning Board member Deborah Fein-Brug said she was concerned about the rock formations and ruins of local indigenous tribes being disturbed, a point she reiterated with each motion.

“I still am very concerned that I haven’t seen enough conversation about how this was going to happen and when it was goDeveloper | 10

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 9

Hopkinton-based world champion martial artist turns focus to teaching This past December, Carlos Terrinha won his sixth world championship, winning his division at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Master World Championships.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

C

arlos Terrinha was a 19-year-old living in Brazil and working a delivery job when he stumbled upon the martial art known as Brazilian jiu jitsu. Next door to a spot where he was making a delivery, he noticed a gym with some practitioners of the closecombat art.

“I kind of stuck my nose in to see what was going on inside the gym,” Terrinha said. “The teacher saw me and he asked if I wanted to train.”

Terrinha said no. He had his deliveries to make. But it wasn’t long before he stopped by again and watched a class.

Then he signed up to train. Within three months, he was competing in his first tournament as a white belt.

That was in 1989, and he has not stopped competing ever since.

In December, Terrinha competed in the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Master World Championships and came in first in his division.

It’s the sixth world championship he has won in his career. Terrinha also has won six European titles and is a 17-time Pan-American champion. It was the latter competition that first brought him to the United States.

In 2001, Terrinha competed in Kissimmee, Florida, through a Brazilian sponsor. He placed first in his division and second in the open class.

“During my two-week stay in America, I fell in love with the culture here,” Terrinha said. He went on to secure a visa and moved to America in 2003. Terrinha became a citizen in 2013.

In 2017, he opened Hopkinton Terrinha Draculino Team (TDT) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on Elm Street. There are affiliate gyms in Lowell, Salem, Nantucket and Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Terrinha competes a little less these days than in past years. There was a time when he would be taking part in about 10 tournaments per year, but that has dropped to three or four. His main focus is on teaching and working with his roofing company. Terrinha says he is trying to show his students how beneficial jiu jitsu can be for their lives.

“They get in good shape, but it’s more than that,” he said.

Practicing jiu jitsu has helped his students gain strength, flexibility and stamina, and provides an outlet for releasing stress, he said.

“The other thing that happens is some of my students, they never thought about competing in their life,” Terrinha added. “Then they start to compete and they go to tournaments and they start to feel more confident in themselves.”

And some of those students, like their teacher, are beginning to add to their trophy cases. Dilor Pacheco is a top-ranked white belt in the IBJFF. Cleber de Sousa, another of Terrinha’s pupils, is a champion in the No Gi Division, meaning gripping without the traditional martial arts uniform (called a gi).

Terrinha is hopeful the sport can have even a fraction of the impact on the lives of his students that it has had on his own.

“If it were not for BJJ, I would not be in the United States today,” he said.

“BJJ changed my life a lot, it gave me a different perspective.”

It also has allowed him to see the world, traveling from Canada to Por-

Sometimes challenges in life help you change your life. I tell my students to sign up for tournaments, go compete and have fun. You’re going to see something out of your comfort zone.

— Carlos Terrinha

tugal to California and many places in between. They are all experiences he wants to pass along to local practitioners in Hopkinton.

“If people don’t have any challenges, they don’t move forward,” Terrinha said. “Sometimes challenges in life help you change your life. I tell my students to sign up for tournaments, go compete and have fun. You’re going to see something out of your comfort zone.”

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

Town Meeting moved to May 8, Town Election to May 22 Party caucuses this week A

t a brief meeting March 23, the Select Board unanimously approved moving Annual Town Meeting back five days to Saturday, May 8, at 9 a.m. It will be held at the football field behind Hopkinton High School. Annual Town Election NEWS BRIEFS also will be moved back five days, to Saturday, May 22. The election will remain at Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym. Town manager Norman Khumalo said the town was able to confirm that a sizable tent will be available for Town Meeting.

Town moderator Tom Garabedian said the intent is to hold votes on every warrant item on May 8.

“We will be working toward conducting the meeting in a single day,” he said.

“We have some contingencies that if things run long that we can accommodate it either later that weekend or the following weekend. But the goal is to try to wrap things up on [May 8], starting relatively early in the morning and going as long as necessary to get all of our business done.”

Hopkinton High School is planning to have a graduation car parade on May 22, the same day as the election. Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said the two could coexist, noting that the parade — which debuted last year — shouldn’t last more than an hour, while the polls are open all day. Additionally, a high number of mail-in ballots is expected.

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The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee caucus will be held Wednesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., while the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee will hold its caucus Friday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m.

At the caucuses, the parties nominate individuals to run for positions in the Town Election, which will be held May 22.

The HRTC caucus is open to all Hopkinton registered Republicans and unenrolled voters. Anyone interested in being a candidate for a town opening should contact chair Ken Weismantel at ken@ weismantel.com.

All Hopkinton registered Democrats may vote or seek a nomination at the HDTC caucus. A list of Democrats who already have announced their intention to run is available at hopkintondemocrats.org.

For a list of individuals who have taken out papers from the town clerk’s office for the Town Election, check HopkintonIndependent.com.

Health Department fines hockey program A youth hockey program was fined $2,100 by the Hopkinton Health Department for allegedly failing to ensure its players were following COVID rules following a team’s appearance in a tournament in Pennsylvania last month.

The Marlborough-based Junior Bruins, run by Hopkinton resident Chris Masters, won the United States Premier Hockey League 18-and-under national championship on March 7 in York, Pennsylvania.

Hopkinton health director Shaun McAuliffe said two players, including one from Hopkinton, showed symptoms of COVID-19 the day before leaving the state, yet they rode in a vehicle with other team members on March 3 and started competing in the tournament the following day.

McAuliffe also criticized the organization for failing to promptly provide a roster with contact information so health officials could start contact tracing. He said a roster was sent after a few days and multiple requests, but it had no contact information.

He indicated the full information did not arrive until more than three weeks after the

Wilson Street solar Developer | from page 8

ing to happen in the construction process.”

Chair Gary Trendel said that those specifics were covered in the April 11, 2019, approval and should not be addressed at this time “because it is not a part of their proposed amendments.”

Hafez added that he has been working with a Narragansett Indian Tribe representative, who has visited the site twice and has been in discussions about the construction plans. This was confirmed via an email shown by principal planner John Gelcich.

King noted that the stones that were memorialized were preserved in the new layout. A sheet shows the location of the stones in relationship to the arrays.

“The applicant is very aware of the sensitivity of this,” he said. “This is one of the most robust set of conditions I have seen for a solar project.”

The stormwater management permit with the modifications was approved 6-1, with Paul opposed, as was an amendment on stormwater drainage and the amendment of conditions and approvals to the previously approved stormwater management permit.

HopkintonIndependent.com

tournament had ended.

And, McAuliffe added, COVID issues arose with the same program earlier in the season, and there was a similar lack of cooperation.

Reached via email, Masters insisted his organization did what was asked.

“We have been 100 percent compliant and cooperative in getting any health department, Hopkinton included, information they need and following guidelines,” he stated. “We have reviewed the alleged violations and will be appealing the fine.”

That’s not how McAuliffe sees it, and that’s why he assessed the penalty — which includes seven violations, each assessed at $300.

“I try to give everybody the benefit of the doubt, but if you don’t [follow the rules], if this becomes a repeat thing, or you’re putting people in jeopardy, I’ll issue a fine,” he said, noting that the state’s Department of Public Health requested that he take action. “My job is to enforce the regulations.”

Hopkinton recognizes Greece Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone last month sent a letter to Greek ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou on behalf of the town, recognizing the 200th anniversary of Greece’s independence and commending the Greek-American community “for its contributions to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to the United States, and its role as a bridge between the two nations.”

Hopkinton’s relationship with the country is built around the Boston Marathon. At the race’s 1-mile mark, in front of Weston Nurseries, is a statue that honors Stylianos Kyriakides, who was a surprise winner of the 1946 race and a hero for raising awareness of post-World War II famine in his home country. The statue depicts Kyriakides being encouraged by Spyridon Louis, winner of the first modern Olympic marathon in 1896. A twin version of the statue is located in the Greek city of Marathon, which is Hopkinton’s sister city.

The Marathon Flame, a gift from the citizens of Marathon, is a continuously burning fire located in front of the Hopkinton Police Department.

Misc.: HPD completes mobile training Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced that 24 members of the Hopkinton Police Department last month completed interactive, scenariobased training utilizing the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office’s Mobile Training Center, a specialized trailer that provides officers the ability to train for situations they may encounter during their daily duties.

“The ability to train our officers using real-life scenarios that evolve based on the officer’s use of their communication and de-escalation skills is invaluable,” Bennett said. “We are grateful to Sheriff Koutoujian and his staff for making this opportunity available to our department.” …

The Select Board on March 23 unanimously approved the hirings of Kyle Boucher as water technician, Renee Chen as finance administrative assistant and Kelechi Obika as health services agent.

The board also voted to waive the hiring freeze in order to hire a custodian to replace an individual in the Facilities Department who resigned.

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 11

Schools HHS students shine at Business Professionals competition H

opkinton High School students took home a haul of awards from the Business Professionals of America (BPA) state competition.

Wi n n e r s i n c l u d e d Cindy Yang (first place in SCHOOLS Advanced Desktop PublishNOTEBOOK ing, first in Graphic Design Promotion, third in Fundamental Desktop Publishing), Sucheta Sunder (first in Computer Modeling, second in Advanced Desktop Publishing, fourth in Fundamental Desktop Publishing), Neil Abraham (second in Banking and Finance, second in Personal Financial Management), Amelia Bashy (fourth in Banking and Finance, fifth in Intermediate Word Processing), Jacob Waxman (second in Basic Office Systems and Procedures, fourth in Intermediate Word Processing), Sahithi Pogula (first in Business Law and Ethics, second in Entrepreneurship), Kevin Gu (second in Fundamental Desktop Publishing, fourth in Business Law and Ethics), Sanketh Udupa (first in Digital Media Production, first in Fundamental Word Processing, fourth in Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications), Mahdi Maymandi-Nejad (second in Extemporaneous Speech, second in Python Programming), Sreya Ravi (first in Fundamental Desktop Publishing), Alveena Ehsan (fourth in Interview Skills) and Bharat Mekela (fourth in PC Servicing and Troubleshooting).

Additional winners included the teams of Pogula and Harini Thatigutla (first in Global Marketing), Bashy, Elise Blackstock, Lela Hardin and Shreya Thalvayapati (first in Podcast Production), Udupa, Farzad Ferdous and Joshua Huang (third in Presentation Management), Abraham, Mekela, Kyle Bertucci-Bissonnette and Nathan Carson (first in Small Business Management), and Waxman and Gabe O’Brien (third in Small Business Management).

The BPA provides opportunities for students to work on projects related to business, including such topics as finance, IT and computer applications. Students work with mentors in the business community who provide feedback on these projects.

District faces hefty costs for expansion The district may need to spend $157 million in construction costs over 10 years to accommodate a projected long-term enrollment increase of 700 students, finance director Susan Rothermich told School Committee members March 18.

A facilities study group will be created to develop more information on this topic, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said. This group would analyze facilities development needs, student growth projections and programming needs and expansion.

The $157 million figure was presented during a recent discussion on long-term capital planning that featured all town municipal department leaders, hosted by town manager Norman Khumalo.

The schools had “an enormous price tag” for their needs when compared to other departments because of the impact of population increases, Cavanaugh said.

Every school building would fall short of state space requirements with 700 students added into the overall district enrollment, Rothermich said.

The $157 million figure “is probably a little bit shocking,” to some residents at first glance, committee member Nancy Cava-

naugh said, but, “We’ve had to kick the can down the curb for many years on a problem that is bubbling up.”

Committee member Meg Tyler said that while the costs are high, she is “relieved we are returning to it after a year of being made dizzy after the pandemic and all its insistent and unpredictable needs.” This issue, she said, predates the pandemic and represents a long-term issue.

Added Tyler: “We clearly need the space,” and, “The longer we delay, the more expensive it’s going to be.”

HHS magazine earns top honor The National Council of Teachers of English, as part of its Recognizing Excellence

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in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) program, awarded the Hopkinton High School literary magazine Marginal its top award, Realm First Class, for the 2020 issue.

The senior editors for Marginal’s 2020 issue were Mia Carboni, Alisa Stolyar and Isabella O’Rourke.

Local collegians recognized Hopkinton’s Devon Rancourt, a senior at Connecticut College, was recognized by the U.S. Department of State with a 2021 Critical Language Scholarship, a prestigious study abroad scholarship. Rancourt, a Slavic studies and history double major who previously won a CLS scholarship in 2019, is using the award this time to take virtual, in-

tensive Russian classes with the KORA Russian Language Center in Vladimir, Russia.

“I’m grateful to be participating in CLS a second time because I had a very positive experience in 2019 in terms of significant language progress and the connections I made with my host family in Kyrgyzstan,” Rancourt said. “Improving my language skills is important to me because I would like to teach the Russian language in the future.” …

Amanda Gollaher, a junior at Colgate University majoring in international relations, earned the dean’s award with distinction for the fall semester.

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

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS June 22–August 28 Ages 4 to 17

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Summer at Touchstone Community School: Where learning is values-based

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

T

ouchstone Community School, serving children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, offers an exciting summer camp that reflects the Grafton school’s progressive, playful and joyful approach to learning.

“Summer at Touchstone is led by our own teachers,” stated Sally Kent, head of school. “We understand how disruptive this pandemic has been for so many children, and this program will provide the feel of a fun summer combined with a safe environment where children can be free to play, be creative, learn new skills, build friendships, and experience many things.”

Children ages 4-6 will enjoy the amazing, outdoor wooded classroom built especially for the early childhood program. This half-day program will incorporate play, storytelling, inventions, arts, crafts and building friendships.

A full-day program will be offered to children ages 6 and up. Youngsters will choose one project block in the morning and a different block in the afternoon, all designed and taught by Touchstone teachers.

Project blocks will include do-it-yourself toy-making, machine- and handsewing, woodworking, creating comics, piñata-making, gardening, mud play, exercise and fitness, track and field, exploring engines and much more. Detailed descriptions are available online.

In between project blocks there will be free time, water play, structured physical activities, choice times and academic enrichment when students can receive academic support and engage in math games, silent reading, reading aloud, storytelling and games.

“We are intentionally limiting capacity for the Touchstone Summer Program to ensure a rich program where every child can be known, be safe and have his or her needs met,” Kent said.

According to Kent, students at Touchstone are typically curious, vivid individuals who are collaborative problem solvers and friendly. The youngsters form strong relationships with their teachers and have a deep respect for the environment and one another. Summer campers will experience a snapshot of the school and an opportunity to know the teachers.

Touchstone staff members are committed to building a community that values and embraces diversity, including culture, race, ethnicity, family structure, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion and socio-economic status.

To discover more about the Touchstone Summer Camp Program or to register, visit touchstoneschool.com.

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Summer at Touchstone Community School For more details, daily schedule, project choices, FAQ, and registration visit www.touchstoneschool.com/summer

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The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 13

EARTH Ltd. hosts Wild Adventure Programming at Southwick’s Zoo

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

Y

oungsters ages 5-16 will be fascinated with the EARTH Ltd. Wild Adventure Summer Programming at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, and registration is open now.

“It’s so important for kids to be outside, connect with nature and learn to understand and respect all living things,” stated Betsey Brewer Bethel, founder of EARTH Ltd. and co-owner of Southwick’s Zoo. “Our programs teach environmental awareness including conservation, preservation and the impact of climate change.”

From T-Rex to Turkeys teaches younger children how modern animals evolved from their prehistoric ancestors. Students explore connections between different animal species and what makes them alike and unique.

Young adventurers experience some of the zoo’s animals up close in Animals, Habitats & Ecosystems, learn about animal survival behaviors and ecosystems, and become familiar with different habitats.

Students participating in Going, Going, Gone learn which species in Southwick’s Zoo are threatened and how each person’s actions and choices have an impact on wildlife and the environment.

Using literature, art, science and storytelling, There’s No Such Thing as a … clears up common animal misconceptions and explores which animals are part of mythology and legends across different cultures.

The popular Teen Zoology program is ideal for older children interested in learning about careers in biology, zoology or similar fields. This program also focuses on animal conservation and the impact of climate change on wildlife. Topics will include native species and coastal ecology.

In the EARTH Discovery Center, junior zookeepers learn about mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds through hands-on games and activities, meet a few of EARTH’s animal ambassadors face-to-face, enjoy arts and crafts, and train ride through the North American exhibit and wetlands.

“These are all such valuable programs,” Bethel said. “They teach children respect for nature and our different animals, which is so important since children are the stewards of our future.”

Some programs are held twice. Visit earthltd.org to sign up and learn additional details. EARTH Ltd. members receive a 10 percent discount.

An EARTH Ltd. membership offers entrance to the Zoo and supports education, conservation, and research.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

Auto motivated: HHS junior wins car design scholarship

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

H

opkinton High School junior Connor Grady was attending a car show a few years ago when an attendee asked an unexpected question.

“Do you have a business card?” the person asked.

“Which was kind of weird, because I was 12 years old,” Grady said.

But there was a sound business reason behind the question. Grady had drawn a photo of one of the vehicles he liked at the show and given it to the car’s owner.

When others saw his work, they asked if he was able to draw their cars as well.

So Grady “went and made business cards.” He would hand them out at the car shows he and his family attended.

Through his experience, he learned a valuable lesson in networking. “You meet one person, you meet a lot of others,” he said. “I met a really nice group” of car enthusiasts.

He developed a side venture drawing cars at $10 an image at the time, although his rates have since increased.

His idea paid off. “For a 12-year-old, I made a decent amount of money,” he said.

At first, he would draw the car “on the spot” and sell his image at the show. Now, he takes more time with his creations and

Connor Grady was awarded a Dunning Fellow from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit for his ability to draw cars, including a 1969 Porsche 912.

gives clients a deadline.

His images reflect a lifetime love of both drawing and cars, starting when he played with Matchbox vehicles as a child. He also became an ardent fan of Chip Foose, a well-known automotive designer and artist who has starred in his own reality series.

That driving passion for automotive images earned him recognition as a Dunning Fellow from the College for Creative Studies, a school in Detroit that offers a

program in transportation design.

Grady is one of 15 students across the country to earn this scholarship, which is awarded based on images of vehicles drawn by competition participants.

In typical years, Dunning Fellows would attend the college in person. Instead, because of pandemic limitations, Grady will take visual communications, a first-year college course that is an essential part of the school’s transportation design curriculum, virtually.

Students who attend and receive a C grade or higher will earn three college credits and create work to enhance their portfolio.

The course will run for four weeks from July 12 to Aug. 6 and will include guest speakers from the automotive design industry.

Hearing from guest speakers has particular appeal, he said, because he would like to learn more about a potential career in automotive design. “I haven’t met a lot of people who do this,” he said. “It’s not a common career.”

“The fact that I get to experience what it would be like” is exciting, he said.

One thing he has already learned is that design makes a difference for all cars.

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The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 15

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Fitzgerald Real Estate brings fresh approach to Hopkinton

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

L

PHOTO/THOMAS FITZGERALD

ast November, John Fitzgerald launched his own real estate company, serving as broker and owner. His is the newest company in town. Personable and knowledgeable in the industry, Fitzgerald helps individuals and families throughout MetroWest sell their current homes and find the home of their dreams.

“I’m passionate about helping people,” Fitzgerald stated. “I love educating homeowners and first-time buyers about the ins and outs of the real estate process.

In many cases, I feel like I’m opening their eyes.”

Having worked in the field for more than six years, the Hopkinton resident has much to offer. He promises to work hard for each client.

Knowing it would be tough to compete for clients in a town boasting several corporate real estate agencies, Fitzgerald boosted his chances by becoming a licensed broker.

“I’m proud to be the local, independent, owner-operated agency,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m willing to work with clients to ensure the relationship is the best fit moving forward and to enhance their chances of success.”

Serving his clients as a broker means there’s no need to confer with others. He handles all the details necessary to ensure a property is properly evaluated, priced, marketed and carried to a successful close.

He has an established core of professionals who provide legal and insurance advice, along with stagers and photographers.

In the competitive market analysis phase, he assists clients in understanding the market and determining a competitive market price. He crafts a unique and effective marketing strategy, offers a thorough and objective home evaluation, provides regular market updates, and manages all price negotiations.

“I’m here with my clients every step of the way,” Fitzgerald said, “from contract to closing.”

Since he works out of his home, overhead costs are minimal. And Fitzgerald may be unique in that he allows clients the opportunity to negotiate commission fees, depending on how much work goes into the real estate process.

“There’s no set standard in the industry,” he explained. “Agencies may have a set commission, but as an independent broker, I can be more flexible. If the property is sell-ready, requires only a weekend showing and selection of the right buyer,

Broker/owner John Fitzgerald deeply values family time with his son, Thomas, and their dog, Kassie.

I’m open to negotiation.”

Clients who have worked with Fitzgerald rank him as a consummate professional who is skilled and highly knowledgeable, provides outstanding customer service, demonstrates integrity, and goes above and beyond expectations. Many comments on social media include that he is genuine, empathic and great to work with, and that he has a work ethic second to none.

Fitzgerald advises people to interview as many as three to five realtors before deciding who will represent them. Everyone offers something a little different, and homebuyers or sellers want to make sure they feel compatible with a real estate agent and that they’re being listened to.

“I want to service my clients the right way,” Fitzgerald noted. “I’ll do everything I can to ensure finding the right fit for each person or family.”

To learn more, visit 508Fitz.com or call John Fitzgerald directly at 508-245-4334.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.

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Auto motivated Scholarship | from page 14

the design” to matter, he said. “Even the cheapest of cars — old, new — they all have different features that are really cool.”

He dreams of owning a 1988 BMW 535is, which has no airbags, is not the safest vehicle and is “a little out of my price range.”

“But I just can’t get over how it looks,” he said. “It just looks amazing.”

That said, he is happy with his VW Jetta GLI. Whatever the vehicle they operate, drivers who take the look of their cars seriously appeal to Grady as he looks toward a possible future in automotive design.

“That’s the audience I want to target,” he said.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

Sports Unified basketball back in Hopkinton

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has upended life for students of all ages, but the lack of routine and structure has been particularly hard on those students dealing with intellectual disabilities. But one significant piece of normalcy has returned this spring with the first unified basketball season since the fall of 2019.

“They’ve been troopers, just trying their best, but we have seen some of that craving for relationships and seeing their friends and being somewhere where they feel safe and supported,” said Caitlin Burke, one of the team’s coaches. “I was apprehensive about coming back to school, but the first week, I could feel it.

I needed this.”

Added Burke: “I think everyone is feeling that way.”

Unified basketball pairs athletes who have intellectual disabilities with partners — other high school students who take part in practices and games to support their peers. Hopkinton has five athMembers of the Hopkinton High School unified basketball team pose on the court before a recent scrimmage

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letes on this year’s basketball team, including Liam Finnegan, who is in the 18-22-year-old group and is in his third year on the team.

Burke and fellow coach Jay Golden describe Finnegan as the captain of the team.

“He is the mayor of Hopkinton,” Golden said. “He knows everybody, he is friends with everybody.”

In addition to being a popular member of the program, Finnegan also is a “go-to” shooter, his coaches said.

Jack Malone, a freshman, is back for his second year with the team. Burke, his teacher, said his love for basketball is palpable.

She even set up a play hoop in the classroom so he can get in a little extra practice.

“He is getting so much better with his dribbling and shooting,” she said. “He loves the attention and the relationship with the guys on the team.”

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Hopkinton also has a trio of eighthgrade athletes: Ciaran Halliday, Jacob Murasko and Jack Ruran. Halliday is in his first season playing basketball and has become an instant hit with his teammates.

“The kids just go nuts when he does a skill because he will look over and say, ‘Did I do it right?’And I’ll say, ‘Yeah, man!

You’re doing it!’ ” Burke said.

Halliday and his mother make handmade shirts with a logo he created on them and are working on making some for the entire team, Burke said.

Murasko is a dedicated sports enthusiast who serves as the manager for the Hillers’ eighth-grade basketball team and is involved with the Boston College swim team.

“He is our MVP this year,” Burke said. “He is super talented. He will call our plays as the point guard and just be Mr. Basketball out there.”

Ruran participates virtually trough Zoom. Burke opens up her iPad and there is a staff member who works with him at home where he has a court and a hoop.

Ruran stretches out with the team, and then the frequently sanitized iPad is passed around among the other athletes and partners throughout practices and games.

“Any time you pop on to Zoom, he has this huge smile, he is super happy to be there,” Burke said. “His teammates really engage and they are super pumped when they get him to laugh or smile, especially when he makes a basket at home.”

Bringing the team back together has provided a lift for students who missed out on valuable time with their friends and classmates.

“It’s been a very difficult thing to watch, not having answers for them,” Burke said. “A lot of our students kept asking, ‘When do we come back to school, and when do I get to see my friends?’ ” But now they are getting some sense of normal back into their lives. In addition to playing basketball, the team has organized other activities, including the Polar Plunge — which more closely resembles an ice bucket challenge — spearheaded by one of the partners, Bianca Pal. The fundraiser has provided more than $4,800 for Special Olympics, the coaches said.

“For everybody, for students, for staff, it’s been an adjustment day-to-day for the past year,” Golden said. “But any moment we are able to spend together in the classroom or on the basketball court, there is a sense of gratitude. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 17

HHS volleyball spikes competition T

Keeping your eyes happy & healthy!

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

he Hopkinton High School volleyball team opened its shortened season by winning six of its first seven matches.

In a 3-1 victory over SPORTS visiting WestROUNDUP wood on March 30, the Hillers dropped a close first set, 25-23, before taking charge with 25-19, 25-12 and 25-20 wins. Senior Cadyn Boyce had a big kill to start the Hillers on a 5-0 run and break open a tight final set, which ended on a HHS volleyball player Sarah Furlong hits the ball during Mirabella Paolucci kill. the Hillers’ 3-1 victory over visiting Westwood on That match was the March 30. The match also served as the team’s Dig Pink fundraiser.

Hillers’ Dig Pink fundraiser, in which the team raised money for the Side-Out Foundation, an organization that supports clinical trials for patients with Stage 4 breast cancer.

The previous week, Hopkinton swept Medfield, winning 3-0 both times.

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HHS football drops pair The HHS football team battled two of the Tri-Valley League’s stronger teams in its first two games and came up short both times.

On March 26, in a 28-13 loss at Ashland, Hopkinton scored all its points in about a one-minute stretch in the second quarter. Cole Salyards threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Elias Pereira to get the Hillers on the board. Then, on the second play of Ashland’s ensuing possession, Salyards intercepted a pass and returned it 25 yards for a pick-six. That gave Hopkinton a short-lived 13-7 lead. Ashland scored on its next possession for a 14-13 lead, then put the game away with two scores in the final period.

In the opener at Holliston on March 20, running back Cam Mulvaney scored four touchdowns, three on the ground and one on a 13-yard pass from Salyards, but the Hillers dropped a 37-27 decision. Hopkinton rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to take a 21-14 lead before the hosts took control late.

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Swim teams make splash The HHS girls swimming and diving team won its first four matches, including a close 93-77 victory over Ashland late last month. In that meet, diver Tess Weatherhead attained the necessary score for All-America qualification.

The boys team won its first three meets before falling to Ashland, 102-68.

Boston Marathon adds virtual component

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Hopkinton RoboHillers

The Boston Athletic Association recently announced details for the Virtual 125th Boston Marathon, which will be held Oct. 8-10, prior to the in-person Boston Marathon on Oct. 11.

The virtual race is open to runners of all levels and abilities. Registration, which opened March 30, is available to the first 70,000 entrants ages 18 and older.

Participants will need to complete the marathon distance of 26.2 miles in one continuous attempt, although they will not be limited to any time restrictions.

For more information, visit baa.org.

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

Senior Snippets The Hopkinton Senior Center staff continues to be available to seniors and residents during this pandemic. Call 508-4979730 if in need of assistance, with questions or just to say hi. For a more extensive listing of programs check Ourseniorcenter. com/find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

Lunch Program

The Senior Center has a limited takeout lunch program (Tuesday-Friday) for Hopkinton seniors, particularly those who are homebound and/or have relied on the center for their daily main meal in the past. Anyone who knows of a senior who might benefit from this program can call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. The menu is refreshed monthly.

Cost is $2 per meal.

Exercise Classes via Zoom

Call to register Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Mondays, 2 p.m.

Exercising with Joni, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Barre, Wednesdays, 2 p.m.

Boot camp, Thursdays, 2 p.m.

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Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory

Friday, April 9, 12:30 p.m.

Based on his award-winning book, “Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What to Do About It,” Dr. Andrew Budson will explain how individuals can distinguish changes in memory due to Alzheimer’s versus normal aging, what medications, diets and exercise regimens can help, and the best habits, strategies and memory aids to use, in seven simple steps.

Musical Baseball Show with Howie Newman

Friday, April 16, 12:30 p.m.

This unique entertainment experience includes baseball songs, baseball trivia and stories about Howie Newman’s days as a sportswriter for several major daily papers in the Boston area, including the Boston Globe and Patriot Ledger, as well as The Associated Press and many national magazines.

Call to register.

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Friday, April 23, 12:30 p.m.

Seniors are invited to participate in a book club being held virtually (phone, laptop or iPad) to share what they have been reading and to get reading suggestions. Participants should call the Senior Center for the call-in number or Zoom meeting invitation link.

Snippets | 19

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

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Seasonal Cooking Workshop — Celebrate Spring!

Thursday, April 8, 6-7:15 p.m. (Zoom) Join Nancy Wind, founder of Peaks and Poses, for the first of two seasonal cooking workshops that will celebrate spring. Participants can cook along with her or simply watch.

In April, she will be making carrot ginger soup with roasted chickpeas.

Sign up in advance to receive the Zoom info and recipe.

Finding Easy Walks with Marjorie Turner Hollman

Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m. (Zoom) This program is presented cooperatively with the Framingham and Natick libraries. The author of “Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are” and “More Easy Walks in Massachusetts” will offer some suggestions of places to go nearby, as well as strategies for finding easy walks, avoiding crowds and dressing for comfort outdoors. Register in advance on the website calendar to receive the Zoom link.

Tales of a Reluctant World Traveler

Tuesday, April 20, 7 p.m. (Zoom) “‘Sixteen weeks, four continents, three bungee jumps, and I couldn’t come home soon enough.” Join Randy Ross, Massachusetts novelist, performer and co-founder of the New England Indie Authors Collective, for a multimedia event on how a Boston homebody turned a solo trip around the globe into a comedy novel and an acclaimed one-man show. Register in advance on the website calendar to receive the Zoom link.

Chat ’n’ Chew Book Group

Wednesday, April 21, 12:30 p.m.

(Jitsi Meet) For those missing their book club, the library offers the virtual Chat ’n’ Chew book group. Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read this month. Fill out a registration form at forms.gle/ kpsKLP761Lh9387w5 to join.

Library Strategic Plan Information Session

Wednesday, April 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

(Zoom) Library director Heather Backman will provide an overview of the library’s strategic plan for Fiscal Years 2022-27, preview some of the library’s plans for the next fiscal year and answer questions. This presentation will be recorded and made available on the library’s YouTube page.

Register in advance on the website calendar to receive the Zoom link.

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 19

Calendar 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.

Women’s Club meeting April 12

The Hopkinton Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, April 12, at 10 a.m. There will be a presentation from club member and former FBI agent Margaret Bower titled “Women of the FBI.” New members from Hopkinton and the surrounding communities are always welcome. For more information, check the club’s website at hopkintonwomensclub.org or contact Judith Weinthaler at 508-435-3287 or HopkintonWC@gmail.com.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Art at Home: Free Sketching Workshop | April 10 De-stress with this free online art workshop for adults with HCA instructor Marion Buricatu. Use simple art materials at home to create a beautiful April Flower. Free, but registration is required at www.hopartscenter.org.

Art Around the World: Brazil | Online April 10 Free children’s cultural program. This month children will learn all about Brazil. For ages 3 to 8, free, but registration is required at www.hopartscenter.org.

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Theater Art: Raise Your Voices | Begins April 14 In collaboration with Huntington Theater. Students in grades 7 to 12 are invited to join this new program that will help them explore how theater can serve as a medium for social justice. Register at www.hopartscenter.org.

The Art Of Conversation Series: Climate Reality | April 22 Join Scott Richardson (member, Climate Reality Leadership Corps.) for a special Earth Day event at 7pm. Event will be live-streamed on HCAM-TV, but a small number of free, in-person tickets are available online. Register at www. hopartscenter.org. Sponsored by Atlas Wealth Strategies.

I SEE MAGIC! | May 2 Join us outdoors for this magical interactive children’s series event. Come explore the art of magic with creator Doug Wonder. One hour show.

In case of rain, event will move indoors. Limited number of tickets available. $10 per child, free for adults. www.hopartscenter.org. Sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank.

Information about our summer programming is available now on our website!

www.HopArtsCenter.org

Registration open for Babe Ruth Baseball

Hopkinton Babe Ruth Baseball registration is open via the Parks & Recreation Department website. Babe Ruth is open to players ages 13-16 (aged out of Little League) of all ability levels. The league is planning three seasons in 2021: spring, summer and fall. The spring league will run from April 26-June 10. The summer league will run from June 14-July 23. The summer league also will have a Senior Babe Ruth division for ages 16-19. Information on the fall season is not yet finalized. For more details or to register, visit hopkintonma.myrec.com.

Timlin 5K to be run virtually in June

Registration is open for the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K, which will be held virtually again this year. The entry fee is $30 per person, with a family/team of up to five discounted to $99. Participants can run/walk their 5K during a two-week span in mid-June. For more details or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 3

Registration is open for the 33rd annal Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

This year’s event will be virtual. Participants are encouraged to “Walk Your Way” from wherever they are most comfortable — for example, in the neighborhood, on a favorite trail or on a treadmill — on Sunday, Oct. 3. Walkers must commit to raising at least $100 ($25 for those under 18). The event raises funds for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To register or support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255.

Senior Snippets Snippets | from page 18

Fashion and the First Lady

Friday, May 7, 12:30 p.m.

During the course of history, America’s first ladies have been watched, admired, copied, sometimes criticized and followed for their fashion and style. This presentation will look at the clothing and accessories worn by the presidents’ wives, from the earliest first lady to the current president’s wife, Jill Biden. Call the Senior Center to register.

Our Time Memory Cafe

Call for dates (virtual) Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends.

The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences with others going through

Plant and Bake Sale May 8

Community Covenant Church (2 West Elm St.) will host a Plant Sale and a Bake Sale on Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m.-noon. The Plant Sale will include inexpensively priced perennials, specializing in cottage garden favorites. The Bake Sale will include Swedish baked goods.

1920

100th

2021

similar changes, and form friendships.

A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call (508) 497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.

TED Talks

Mondays, 12:30 p.m.

In 1984, TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation.

The Outreach Program at the Senior Center will have casual TED Talks group meetings over Zoom for one hour every Monday at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will consist of viewing a video and then discussing it. The program is free.

Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

Obituaries Evelyn DeBenedetto Evelyn “Effie” (Chalapatas) DeBenedetto, a longtime Melrose resident, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on March 20 at age 90.

Evelyn was born in Boston on Aug. 30, 1930, the only daughter of four children to Greek immigrants, George and Diana (Primpas) Chalapatas. She was raised in Allston and graduated from Brighton High School and Katherine Dell Secretarial School. Evelyn worked in a variety of secretarial roles before becoming a homemaker, then returned to the work force as a medical transcriptionist. Her career at the Malden Hospital spanned over 30 years, until her retirement. A hard-working woman and dedicated mother, Effie balanced raising her family of four children while maintaining her professional career.

With family roots in Greece, Effie was raised with an appreciation for hard work, family and her heritage.

Growing up in Boston, the Chalapatas family was committed to the success of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, and the life lessons learned as a young woman contributed to Effie becoming the kind, modest and caring person she was.

After settling in Malden to raise her own family, Effie moved in 1983 to Melrose, where she became active in the community while endearing herself to neighbors. With a well-known green thumb, she was a longtime member of the Melrose Garden Club and enjoyed tending to her backyard flower and vegetable garden. In her free time, she loved sitting on the beach watching the ocean or reading. She enjoyed many visits with family to Nantucket or Narragansett, Rhode Island. With pride and love for New England, Effie was a lifelong Red Sox fan, and always loved a lobster dinner.

Throughout her life, Effie kept her roots close to her heart by speaking fluent Greek, perfecting the art of Greek pastries, and honoring her parents with a life devoted to family. She centered her life around her children, and developed a special connection with each of her seven grandchildren. Known for her warm and friendly smile, she made connections easily and will be reunited with lifelong friends, the late Marianne Almeida and the late Antonetta DeBenedetto. She will be deeply missed, but her inquisitive mind, sense of humor and humble, steady nature will continue to inspire through the lives of her family. May her memory be eternal.

Effie was the devoted wife of the late Joseph J. DeBenedetto. She was the beloved mother of Diana Weinburg and husband Mark of Melrose, Michael DeBenedetto and wife Colleen of Hopkinton, Joseph DeBenedetto and wife Michelle of North Reading, and the late Lisa Friesner and her surviving husband, Greg, of San Jose, California.

She was predeceased by siblings Costa

Chalas and wife Cathie, John Chalas and wife Ann, and James Chalas and wife Dimitra. She was the cherished grandmother of Michael Weinburg and wife Genevieve, Mary Weinburg, Matthew Weinburg, Kairat DeBenedetto, Anthony DeBenedetto, Matthew DeBenedetto and Andrew DeBenedetto.

She was the proud great-grandmother of Matilda, Augustus and Greta. She also was cherished by many loving nieces and nephews.

Effie’s funeral service was held at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Woburn on March 26, at 10 a.m., followed by interment in Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Arrangements were under the care of the Robinson Funeral Home in Melrose.

Gifts in her name may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, No. 602, Boston, MA 02215, bostonchildrens.org, or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, dana-farber.org.

George Bailey George R . B a i l e y, D.D.S., 82, a retired Framingham dentist, passed away peacefully at his home in U p t o n s u rrounded by

family on March 19.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Wendy (Griffin) Bailey, their children: Melissa Abate and husband Mark of Hopkinton, attorney Michael J. Bailey of Southborough, George F. Bailey and wife Kimberley of Arlington, Virginia, and Timothy J. Bailey and wife Catherine of Upton. He leaves his brother, attorney Robert M. Bailey and wife Judith of Kennebunk, Maine; 12 adoring grandchildren, Molly and Connor Abate, and Andrew, Lindsay, Griffin, Aidan, Quinn, Erin, Megan, Kelly, Sean and Thomas Bailey; his uncle, David I. Bailey of Clinton; nephews, Robert Bailey Jr. and wife Danielle of Sterling, attorney Shawn Bailey and wife honorable Kathryn Bailey of Lancaster, and their families; many cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Son of the late George F. and Ruth Ann (Kerrigan) Bailey, George was born in Worcester. George spent time during his childhood in Worcester and Clinton and graduated from St. John’s High School (Temple Street, Worcester), Class of 1956. He achieved his undergraduate degree from Mount St. Mary’s University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Georgetown University School of Dentistry. In 1964, Dr. Bailey opened his dental practice on Lincoln Street in Framingham. Dr. Bailey proudly served our nation as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps during the Vietnam War. He returned home safely to continue his career in private practice for the next 30 years until retiring. In addition, Dr. Bailey served as the dental director for Parameter Health Center, St. Patrick’s Manor and Middlesex Manor Nursing Home.

He served as a member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, Metropolitan District Dental Society and Yankee Dental Congress. He proudly served his community in numerous capacities, notably as a member of the Framingham Lodge of Elks, Framingham Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, and member and chair of the Framingham Public Library Board of Trustees.

An avid golfer, Dr. Bailey was a member of Framingham Country Club and the International Golf Club in Bolton, where he was well known for his love of competition and quick wit.

He was happiest in the company of his family, traveling to Naples, Florida, during the winter months with Wendy, spending time in Kennebunk or tending to his prized flower and vegetable gardens. George was a lifelong and faithful parishioner at St. Bridget’s parish in Framingham for 45 years and a parishioner of St. Matthew Parish in Southborough for the past four years.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated March 25 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Clinton, followed by burial in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Services were under the care of the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home, Clinton. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dr. George R. Bailey to: St. John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604 or St. Johns High School, 378 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 (stjohnshigh.org/support).

James Fitzgerald James P a t r i c k Fitzgerald S r. , 8 6 , o f Humarock and formerly of South Weymouth, passed away on March 24. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Mary Kate (Sullivan) and Patrick T. Fitzgerald. He was married to the late Ellen (Kilroy) Fitzgerald.

Jim grew up in Dorchester and was a 1955 graduate of Boston College. A lieutenant in the Navy, Jim served as a Navy pilot, flying a P2V Neptune aircraft. He worked for many years as vice president in hospital administration at Brockton Hospital. He was a lifetime member of the Marshfield Yacht Club and attended St. Anne’s Parish in Marshfield. Jim was extremely proud of his Dorchester roots and his Irish heritage.

Jim is survived by nine children: James P. Fitzgerald Jr. and wife Denise of York, Maine, Kevin P. Fitzgerald and wife Suellen of Westborough, Patrick T. Fitzgerald and wife Maureen of Milton, Daniel J. Fitzgerald of Hopkinton, Paul F. Fitzgerald and wife Michelle of Mendon, John T. Fitzgerald and wife Sandy of Mansfield, Kathleen M. (Fitzgerald) Herlihy of Hopkinton, David A. Fitzgerald of Hopkinton, and Mark J. Fitzgerald and wife Robin of Scituate. He also leaves behind siblings Josephine Noble of Weymouth,

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Thomas Fitzgerald of Boston, Maureen Egan of Boca Raton, Florida, W. Paul Fitzgerald and wife Joyce of Naples, Florida, and sister-in-law Mary Fitzgerald of Walpole. He is predeceased by siblings John “Jack” Fitzgerald and Catherine “Sissy” Gillis.

Jim will be fondly remembered as Grandpa by his 21 grandchildren: James (“Jimmy”) Patrick III, Kaitlyn, Kylie, Gillian, Liam, Meghan, Shannon, Joseph, Aidan, Brendan, Maryellen, Andrew, Owen, Ciara, Colin, Quinn, Elizabeth, Patrick, Ryan, Catherine and Mary. He also was “Uncle Jim,” “Big Jim” or “Mr. Fitz” to dozens of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

During his long work tenure, Jim was dedicated to supporting the nursing staff at Brockton Hospital, whom he held in highest regard. Throughout his years, he enjoyed fishing and lobstering off the coast of Scituate, swapping stories with friends at the Marshfield Yacht Club, and taking generations of family waterskiing on Monponsett Pond in Halifax. To all who knew him, no visit with Jim was ever complete without some quick witted one-line humor, a glass (or two) of cold beer, and the backdrop of Irish music crackling on a portable radio.

Visitation was held April 1 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

A funeral service will be held at a later date when gathering is safer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food pantry.

James Rice James Joseph Rice Jr. passed away on March 25 at the age of 86.

Jim was the beloved husband of Bonnie (Barber) Rice for 57 years. He was the father of James Joseph Rice III of Hartford, Daniel Rice of Miami, and Kathleen (Rice) Fraser and her husband, Scott, of Hopkinton, and Papa to their children, Morgan Elizabeth and Courtney Grace, who were the light of his life. He also leaves his sister, Mary Louise Weidl of Niantic, Connecticut, his sister-in-law, Janice Mastropasqua and her husband, Frank, of East Hartford, Connecticut, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim’s health declined in the last few years and he fought a valiant battle. He always had a smile, a brilliant mind and a witty comment, with Bonnie always by his side until the very end.

Jim was born in Hartford on Dec. 3, 1934, to the late Agnes (Hickey) Rice and James Joseph Rice Sr. His family moved to Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, when he was an infant and returned to Hartford when he was 8 years old. He attended St. Augustine Grammar School, Bulkeley High School (Class of 1954) and the University of Connecticut. He was a survivor of the tragic Hartford Circus Fire of July 6, 1944.

He started to work with the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 21

Obituaries summer of 1953, cutting grass with a scythe. He progressed through the ranks to junior engineer, senior engineer and chief of DOT’s Traffic Division. In May 1983, he was appointed deputy commissioner of DOT’s Bureau of Aeronautics and was in charge of Bradley Airport’s modernization program. In June 1987, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner of DOT’s Bureau of Highways and oversaw Governor William O’Neill’s $7 billion Infrastructure Renewal Program until his retirement in 1991. That same month he went to work with the engineering firm Parsons Brinkerhoff.

He retired from Parsons in 2004, culminating 51 years of service in the transportation industry. He was known as a firm, decisive administrator who strived to get things done.

Jim served honorably in the U.S. Army for two years. Both his sons followed his leadership to serve our nation and joined the military — Jim in the Marine Corps and Dan in the Army.

Jim and Bonnie loved to travel and they enjoyed many trips to various countries in Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean with their dear friends.

Jim was a very patriotic man who loved his country and state and was proud of his Irish heritage. Above all he loved his wife, children and his cherished granddaughters. He was an amazing man and will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Janine Wilcox, Gwen Jeffrey and Colleen Goeben for their compassion and kindness in the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Plaza West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 or the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.

Funeral services were held March 30 at Saint Paul Church of SS Isidore and Maria Parish, Glastonbury, Connecticut, followed by burial in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Arrangements were under the care of the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Homes, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Editor’s note: This obituary was edited for space. For the full obituary, visit HopkintonIndependent.com.

Jean Drawe Jean F. Drawe, 88, died March 28 at The Timothy Daniels House in Holliston after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Jean worked at Colella’s Market in Hopkinton for many years at the deli counter. She was known as “The Cheese Lady,” because she always gave the kids a little cheese sample.

She loved all the get-togethers with her whole family, which included many summer cookouts, picnics at the State Park beaches, birthdays and anniversary parties. She spent a lot of time at the Hopkinton Senior Center and the Friday afternoon dances at the Holliston Senior Center.

Jean was the widow of the late Raymond A. Drawe, to whom she was married for 62 years before his death in 2015. Her son James Drawe passed away in 1975. In addition, she was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred (Pond) McKinstry, her father, Preston McKinstry, and her stepmother, Ruth (Davis) McKinstry. She also was

preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Watkins and brothers Robert, Harold and Raymond McKinstry.

She is survived by her children, Nancy “Punky” Drawe, Thomas Drawe and longtime girlfriend Diane Facendola, and Teddy Drawe, all of Hopkinton. She also leaves her sister, Judith McKinstry of Millbury, many nieces and nephews, as well as two grandchildren.

Private funeral services will be held at the family’s convenience. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.

Lydia Medal Lydia M ed al, 9 2, of Franklin and a former longtime resident of Milford, passed away on March 26 at home with her family by her side. She was the wife of the late Jose “Cheo” Perez Silva, who died on March 16, 2008.

Mrs. Medal was born Sept. 16, 1928, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, the daughter of the late Fructuoso and Margarita Medal Anglero. She lived in her native Puerto Rico for 60 years before moving to Milford many years ago. She was a member of Renewed Life Church in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

She is survived by three sons, Miguel A. Perez of Woonsocket, and Angel L. Perez and Nelson Rios-Medal, both of Puerto Rico; nine daughters, Elsie Rios of Puerto Rico, Claudia Perez and Ana Ramos, both of Woonsocket, Rosa L. Perez and Isabel Rodriguez, both of Florida, Natividad Gonzalez and Marcola Hernandez, both of Franklin, Virginia Santana of Hopkinton and Esther Ortiz of Worcester; over 107 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Samuel Perez, a sister, Graciela Delgado, and a grandson, Miguel Perez, Jr. A graveside service was held April 2 at Vernon Grove Cemetery, Milford.

Services were under the care of the Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, Milford.

Robert Bierig Robert W. B i e r i g , loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle, passed away March 13 at his Hopkinton home, surrounded by his loving family, after an extended illness. Bob was born Jan. 1, 1932, in Alma, New York, to Ruth Crawford of Dorset, Ohio. He grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1949. After graduation from high school, he attended college until he was called to serve his country during the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-54, at which time

he was honorably discharged. He then cared for his disabled father.

He restarted college after his father’s death and earned a Bachelor of Science in physics and electrical engineering from Princeton University.

After graduation in 1958, Bob moved to Massachusetts and started his long and successful career at the Raytheon Company, Research Division.

While at Raytheon, he was responsible for a significant portion of the research in the general area of electron paramagnetic resonance. He also did work at the MIT Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory studying the band structure and the conduction band nonlinearities of III-V semiconductors. Bob earned numerous patents and was honored in 1988 by being elected a Fellow of the IEEE for leadership in the research of gallium arsenide device and monolithic microwave integrated circuit technology.

Upon his retirement from Raytheon, he attended Harvard University and earned a master’s degree in education.

He then spent several years as a substitute teacher in the high schools of the surrounding towns with the hope of exciting the students in the pursuit of science.

Bob most loved spending time with his extended family, gardening, listening to classical music, fly fishing in Maine, reading and cooking. Bob’s pies and rolls were coveted and enjoyed by his family. One of the first words of one grandnephew was “ro-ro.”

For 57 years, Bob brought his children, grandchildren and one hardy nephew to fly fish in the wildest reaches of Maine’s inland mountains. A love of nature and years of cherished memories were created during these trips to the North woods.

Bob met the love of life, his wife Barbara, at Raytheon. Their more than 41-year marriage was a model of reciprocal love and mutual respect. Other than their yearly Caribbean vacations during the winter, most of their time was spent loving their extended family and happily providing babysitting for two generations of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Bob’s passing has left a massive hole in the hearts of those who love him.

The mountain has fallen but the many foothills still stand. Bob’s legacy, the love of family and self-sacrifice, will be carried forward and passed on by his descendants.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, of Hopkinton, son Brian and wife Susan, daughter Teresa and husband Matt, and son Robert K. His son Kurt predeceased him in death. Bob also is survived by his grandchildren, Trevor and Ariel Bierig, Devin Bierig, Blake and Brady Neyland, and Veronica and Tabbitha Bierig.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Holliston at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home.

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22 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

Police Log 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.

ARRESTS March 16

1:12 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street.

Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Nathan Wright and Stephen Buckley responded and reported no personal injuries. A 40-year-old Marlborough resident was arrested and charged with OUI liquor, OUI drugs, and drinking alcohol from an open container. A tow truck was requested, and Verizon was notified of pole damage.

March 16

2:25 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with airbag deployment on Fruit Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with an ambulance.

No injuries were reported. A tow truck was requested. Officer McGaffigan took a report.

6:06 p.m. Multiple callers reported a brush fire behind houses on Chestnut Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department and the fire was extinguished.

March 18

12:39 a.m. Officer Robert Ekross conducted a motor vehicle stop and Officers Stephen Buckley and Brittany Firth responded as backup. Field sobriety tests were performed, and a 22-year-old Revolutionary Way resident was arrested and charged with OUI liquor, marked lanes violation, and speeding in violation of special regulation.

March 28

9:25 p.m. On Woodview Way, Officers Tyler Brabham and Jessica Ferreira arrested a 67-year-old resident on a warrant.

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3:38 a.m. A Constitution Court resident reported her fire alarms were going off. Officer Brittany Firth responded along with the Fire Department, and it was determined that a leak set off the alarms.

6:01 a.m. An Elm Street caller reported her black and white dog, which was not wearing its tags, was missing and she wanted it logged.

2:22 p.m. A caller reported a brush fire on Fruit Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department, and the fire was extinguished.

March 18

5:35 a.m. A motorist reported a deer in the roadway of East Main Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and moved the deer to the side of the road. A message was left for the animal control officer.

12:10 p.m. A Whalen Road resident reported a possible breaking and entering from the previous day. Officers Cody Normandin and Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report.

12:54 p.m. A Constitution Court caller reported a male party refused to leave her residence. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Cody Normandin responded and removed the individual.

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6:12 p.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department to Lilac Court, where an alarm sounded from an electrical panel in a basement.

The sound was determined to be from a neighbor’s water heater.

10:36 p.m. A caller complained of loud music and screaming on Chestnut Street. Officers Ryan Polselli and Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with an individual, who stated he would quiet down for the night.

March 20

7:16 a.m. Officer Jay Deiana responded along with the Fire Department to a fire alarm activation on Lumber Street. Burnt food at The Spoon was determined to be the cause. All units were cleared.

8:33 p.m. A Forest Lane caller reported an Amazon driver attempted to enter the caller’s home. Officer Cody Normandin responded and spoke with the residents and checked the area with a negative find.

11:19 p.m. A caller requested assistance from the animal control officer for an owl that she found in the roadway of Cedar Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Brittany Firth responded and notified the animal control officer.

The caller brought the owl to Tufts on her own.

March 21

11:52 a.m. A caller reported a brush fire in a backyard on Whitehall Lane.

Officers Brian Sanchioni and Cody Normandin responded along with the Fire Department, and command reported the fire was under control.

6:56 p.m. Officer Brendon Lyver checked on two vehicles on the side of the road of South Street. The operators had a disagreement over who was in what lane. Officer Lyver sent them on their way.

10:15 p.m. A Chestnut Street resident complained of a neighbor screaming and

The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021 • 23 playing loud music. Officers Preston Mucciarone and Tyler Brabham responded and advised the individual to go inside for the night.

March 23

9:18 a.m. A caller reported a male squatter in the woods on Ash Street digging and acting strangely.

Officers Moira McGaffigan and Brendon Lyver responded and checked the area with a negative find.

10:18 a.m. An Ash Street caller reported a suspicious male who was looking into her windows. He left and headed toward the Town Common. Officers Ryan Polselli and Moira McGaffigan responded and checked the area with a negative find.

1:09 p.m. An Emma Drive resident complained that his neighbor had been throwing dog waste in his yard. Officer Moira McGafigan responded and explained that it was a civil issue. A report was to follow.

2:33 p.m. A caller reported a brush fire deep in the woods on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department.

3:54 p.m. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department to an alarm activation on Constitution Court. No hazards were found, and alarms were reset.

March 24

1:55 p.m. A walk-in reported finding $100 worth of scratch tickets and a syringe on Main Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded. CVS staff removed it prior to Officer Ferreira’s arrival.

1:59 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan responded to a house break-in on West Main Street.

3:02 p.m. A school bus employee reported an operator of a motor vehicle on School Street accused a bus driver of hitting his mirror. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and a report was to follow.

4:23 p.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira came across a loose dog running around Main Street and returned it to its owner.

6:31 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck was requested for one vehicle.

A report was to follow.

8:55 p.m. An employee at a Main Street restaurant reported a customer was cut off from drinking at the bar, and he got in to his grey SUV and drove away, toward Southborough. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Ryan Polselli responded and checked the area with a negative find. The Southborough Police Department was notified.

9:12 p.m. A Cold Spring Brook resident complained of a dog barking for a few hours in the neighborhood. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and reported no one was home. The homeowner was contacted and was to be home in about 90 minutes.

March 25

6:22 a.m. A South Street caller reported a stolen motor vehicle, a silver Ford F-250 with decals on all sides. No license plate number was given. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Stephen Buckley and Cody Normandin responded and surrounding towns were notified. A report was to follow.

11:30 a.m. A West Main Street caller reported a truck damaged his property. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and took a report.

10:17 p.m. An Ash Street caller complained of a dog barking excessively in the neighborhood. Officer Cody Normandin responded and no one answered the door. The dog ceased barking.

March 26

12:13 a.m. A motorist reported he struck a deer on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and the deer was gone upon his arrival.

7:44 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle struck a pole on Cedar Street Extension. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and took a report. Verizon was notified of minor pole damage. Officer McGaffigan provided a courtesy transport to the driver to Southborough.

1:01 p.m. Water Department personnel reported a deceased deer on the side of the road of Hayden Rowe Street. The animal control officer responded and reported the deer was in Milford. The Milford Police Department was contacted.

3:17 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported a civil issue with his girlfriend’s former residence and place of employment. He wanted to retrieve the rest of

her belongings and was concerned he might face resistance from the owner. Officer Brendon Lyver spoke to the caller and advised him to call back if assistance was needed.

4:56 p.m. A caller reported receiving a couple of suspicious packages a day of random items. Officer Tyler Brabham took a report.

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March 27

8:13 a.m. A Parker Point Road caller reported the water coming from his faucets was black. The Water Department was contacted.

12:16 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Jay Deiana and Moira McGaffigan responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street, where one operator became aggressive. No personal injuries were reported. A report was to follow.

12:41 p.m. A caller reported a small white dog running in the roadway of Saddle Hill Road. Officer Jay Deiana responded and checked the area with a negative find.

1:30 p.m. A caller reported two teenagers riding an office chair down Walcott Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and advised the teens to be careful.

4:57 p.m. A passerby reported a possible brush fire on Front Street. Officer Tyler Brabham responded along with the Fire Department. Six piles of wood were found smoldering in a controlled burn.

6:32 p.m. A caller complained of a female teenager with brown hair in a white SUV speeding through Connelly Hill Road. The caller stated the teen looped through the neighborhood three times at a rate of 60 mph. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:55 p.m. A McBride Drive caller reported a person inside the residence thought an unknown person was inside the house and had locked herself in an upstairs room. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Brendon Lyver and Tyler Brabham responded and reported no one else in the house and no signs of forced entry.

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12:16 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported her husband had been gone since 6:30 p.m. and she was unable to get in contact with him.

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2:13 a.m. Officer Cody Normandin requested backup on Hayden Rowe Street, where an individual from a previous incident had arrived home and a disturbance occurred. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Stephen Buckley responded and reported a verbal argument only.

March 29

10:50 a.m. A caller reported a tree on fire in the woods off Wood Street, possibly caused by nearby power lines. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department. A fallen wire with a popped fuse and one live end was found across the roadway.

Eversource was notified.

11:08 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell down on Cross Street and took wires down with it. Officer Ryan Polselli responded along with the Fire Department. Eversource, Verizon and Comcast were contacted and responded.

11:09 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell down on Frankland Road and took wires down with it. Officer Ryan Polselli responded along with the Fire Department, Eversource and Verizon. Comcast was notified.

1:02 p.m. A caller reported a tree was leaning on wires on Front Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Ryan Polselli responded and set up barricades in the area.

1:09 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell on Scarlata Road and was blocking the roadway. Officer Jessica Ferreira and the DPW responded, and the tree was removed.

5:58 p.m. A caller reported seeing a man with a rifle riding a bicycle up and down Donna Pass. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officers Tyler Brabham and Jessica Ferreira responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:56 p.m. A walk-in from Hazel Road reported his wife was walking their golden retriever and had been missing since 5 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Jessica Ferreira responded to assist.

7:04 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan responded to assist in locating a missing person and were cleared. The woman was located at Walden Way in Milford.

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24 • The Hopkinton Independent • April 7, 2021

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Mental Health Collaborative reaches Hopkinton students Collaborative | from page 1

Since its inception in 2019, MHC has set as one of its goals to collaborate with local schools in an effort to bring mental health education to students.

In January, that goal became a reality when Hopkinton eighth-graders were introduced to the organization’s mental health literacy course.

“The course teaches students a foundation to mental health literacy, including the signs and symptoms of different mental illnesses, the difference between stress and anxiety, the importance of communication, how to help others and combat stigma, and the skills and tools needed to manage mental wellness,” Rosenberg explained. “They finish the course knowing when, where, and how to access professional support.”

The remote curriculum is taught

by Hopkinton residents and licensed educators Carrie Prisco and Gabrielle Giordano, who were hired and trained by MHC. Once the school year finishes, the two educators will have engaged approximately 90 students through videos, interactive programs and breakout groups.

Prisco and Giordano agree the course has made a difference in their students’ lives.

“We’re already noticing the impact of this curriculum as the students contribute and share their thoughts and concerns about mental health,” Prisco said.

Both teachers believe the course should be a mandatory part of the school’s curriculum.

“Especially during the pandemic,”

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Giordano said.

Additionally, Karen Renaud, the subject matter leader for the Wellness Department at Hopkinton High School, took the initiative to complete the necessary training and now is administering MHC’s curriculum to both ninth and 10th graders.

Quantitative data in the curriculum is expected sometime in the spring, but Rosenberg said the feedback from students and parents has been very encouraging.

This is a critical time to educate students and parents, as 75 percent of mental illnesses are identified between the ages of 12 and 24. MHC has been simultaneously offering programs to Hopkinton community members when able.

Training educators to benefit the school community does not come cheap, costing MHC thousands of dollars.

“The money we’ve invested is worth its weight in gold because our programs have impacted so many people,” Rosenberg said. “However, we’re continuing to rely on donations to keep our efforts going.”

MHC’s Young Adult Advisory Board is helping with the organization’s Mental Health Awareness Month program, which will be a social media series with the goals of opening up conversations, giving people hope and combating stigma.

Anyone interested in getting involved can join the MHC email list, follow on social media or visit mentalhealthcollaborative.org for more information.

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