HI 1.12.22

PRST-STD U.S. Postage PAID Hopkinton, MA 01748 Permit No. 109 ECRWSS Postal Patron

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 23 | No. 1 | Jan 12, 2022

Health Dept. shifts focus in COVID fight

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

W

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

FEELING GRAND

Longtime Winter Street resident Russ Phipps, accompanied by daughter Marcie Caporizzo, celebrated his 100th birthday on Dec. 28. The event included a drive-by from Hopkinton police, fire and DPW personnel.

The New Year’s Eve incident occurred at Hometown Barbershop, a popular business on Main Street.

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

A

If one of your New Year’s resolutions home, e your your home, is to save money, I’d love to help! not your rate? not yourmortgage mortgage rate?

Let’s see if a refi could help lower your monthly payments. that! Give me a call call!and take advantage of low rates.

hat! Give me a call and take advantage of low rates.

erwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information.

NEWS

New restaurant opens Main Street location

4

COMMUNITY

New library director plans some changes PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Stabbing | 6

COVID | 12

INSIDE

Barber on mend after alleged stabbing popular downtown Hopkinton barbershop reopened Jan. 4, four days after a bizarre incident when an employee allegedly stabbed a pregnant co-worker without warning or provocation.

Hometown Barbershop barber Liz Hawkins, who suffered stab wounds at the Main Street shop on New Year’s Eve, indicated the following day that she was in “total shock and disbelief” at the “unprovoked” attack and that her unborn child remained healthy despite her injuries.

Hawkins shared details via a social media post and, after being contacted

hile Hopkinton is in the midst of an unprecedented COVID surge — including the town’s first confirmed case of the fast-spreading Omicron variant — the recent illnesses have been far less severe. That is part of the reason why the Board of Health on Jan. 3 suggested that the Health Department should move away from monitoring and contact tracing and instead focus on providing greater access to vaccinations and testing along with better educating the public on health and safety measures.

The shift to “personal responsibility” is consistent with the latest guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Hopkinton Health Director Shaun

8

SCHOOLS

Masks remain hot topic at School Committee meetings

17

Bryan BrownBryan Bryan Brown Brown Branch ManagerBranchBranch Manager Manager

C: (978) 870-7138 (978) 870-7138 C: (978)C:870-7138 Bryan.Brown@rate.combryan.brown@rate.com Bryan.Brown@rate.com Rate.com/BryanBrown Rate.com/BryanBrown

Rate.com/BryanBrown

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information.

Equal Housing Lender Bryan Brown- MC2611, NMLS IDNH #89425; MA -- MLO89425 NH - NH89425 - 13931-MB, RI - Licensed | Office:System, (617) 286-8904 | 22 South St., Suite •201, 01748 NMLS ID 2611 (National Mortgage System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • MA - Guaranteed NMLS ID #89425; MA Bryan - MLO89425 13931-MB, RI- MC2611, - Licensed | GR NMLS 2611 (National Licensing www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) MA -Hopkinton, GuaranteedMA Inc. -| Mortgage Lender & Mortgage BrokerLicensing License MC 2611• NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Rate, n Brown NMLS ID Brown #89425; MA - MLO89425 - MC2611, NH - NH89425 - 13931-MB, RI- NH89425 - Licensed | Office: (617) 286-8904 | 22 South St., SuiteID201, Hopkinton, MAMortgage 01748 | licensed NMLS ID 2611 (National Mortgage Licensing System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) ••Rate, MA - Guaranteed Rate,Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC licensed 2611• Inc.all - licensed Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611• NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rateorofinterest Delaware, byRestrictions the New Hampshire Banking Department - LicIsland # 13931-MB NH -Lic Guaranteed Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Lic Delaware, by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # riting approval.

Not applicants will be approved for financing.

Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing rate guarantee. may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information. ranteed Rate of Delaware, by the New Hampshire Banking Department Lic # 13931-MB • NH Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department Lic # 13931-MB • RI Rhode Licensed Lender # 20102682LL, RI Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker # 20102681LB Delaware, licensed by theIsland New Hampshire BankingLic Department - Lic # RI 13931-MB NH - Guaranteed Rate,Broker Inc. dba Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • RI - Rhode Island Licensed Lender Lic # 20102682LL, RI - Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB 13931-MB • RI - Rhode Licensed Lender # 20102682LL, - Rhode •Island Licensed Loan LicGuaranteed # 20102681LB

Brown NMLS ID #89425; MA - MLO89425 - MC2611, NH - NH89425 - 13931-MB, RI - Licensed | Office: (617) 286-8904 | 22 South St., Suite 201, Hopkinton, MA 01748 | NMLS ID 2611 (National Mortgage Licensing System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • MA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611• teed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • RI - Rhode Island Licensed Lender Lic # 20102682LL, RI - Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB

2 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

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.

Corsi, White provide inspiration after death

J

im Corsi and Betty White likely never met, but they have something in common following their recent deaths: Both are serving as inspirations.

Corsi, a former Red Sox pitcher who grew up in Newton and later lived in Hopkinton bePublisher: David Bagdon fore settling in BellingSTAFF Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett ham, died Jan. 4 from Managing Editor: Jerry Spar liver and colon canSocial Media director: David Bagdon cer. Two days before his death, WBZ-TV’s Baypath Humane Society is seeking help fostering Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Steve Burton (also a animals, offering it as a way to honor late actress and Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, former Hopkinton resi- animal activist Betty White.

Mary Ellen Gambon, Christie Vogt dent) aired an emotional interview with Corsi is help fostering animals.

FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber in which the 60-year-old lamented not contact us Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com “We are continuing to bring in getting a colonoscopy earlier in life. dogs from down South and take in FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent “I should have from local animal control locations, Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com done it,” Corsi said however, we are recently fielding an EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor in the interview. “If increasing stream of calls and emails should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com you’re out there, from owners that need to relinquish don’t wait. Don’t be their pets for various reasons,” reports stupid. I was a proBaypath’s Kathy Lundgren. “These fessional athlete. I Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s name, address certainly are unprecedented times, and thought I was invinand contact information for verification. Letters should be no we haven’t seen a surrender rate such more than 400 words, and the Hopkinton Independent offers cible, strong. You’re as this. We truly try not to say no to INDEPENDENT no guarantee that all letters will be printed. Letters should be not. Cancer is not relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an anyone that calls us, and if for some THOUGHTS prejudice to anyorganization or event or thanking volunteers and sponsors. reason we are unable to take them, we JERRY SPAR body.” try to advise of other shelters that may A colonoscopy, be able to help. in which a flexible “Although we do have a nice, tube is inserted into the colon to search strong foster program, we can always for abnormalities, often is recomuse additional people, especially durmended every 10 years starting at age ing the colder months when it is harder 50, sometimes earlier depending on a for our volunteers to take them out. person’s medical or family history. If While we are always willing to take cancer is detected early enough, many monetary donations, this would be a times it can be treated. wonderful way to help out a local aniCorsi pleaded with others to unmal shelter without people needing to dergo the procedure and avoid his spend any money and to honor Betty mistake.

White.”

“That’s my message: Don’t wait,” For more information, visit the he said. “You don’t want to end up like shelter’s website at baypathhumane. this. If you get it soon enough, you’ll org. be all right.”

Corsi leaves four children, Julianne, Jenna, Mitch and Joey. Julianne Murphy will be missed was scheduled to get married in OctoHopkinton lost one a good one with ber 2022 but moved up her ceremony the passing of Fred Murphy on New a year so her father could walk her Year’s Day (see obituary, Page 20). down the aisle and take part in the Murphy, 77, had battled Lewy body celebration. dementia.

“It was the most important thing he A member of the Hopkinton High could have done,” Julianne said in the School Athletic Hall of Fame, Murphy WBZ piece. “It was just so meaningful starred in football, basketball and baseand special. It was amazing.” ball for the Hillers before graduating in The widely revered White, who 1961. He went on to become a teacher died Dec. 31 at the age of 99, was and coach in Framingham and Natick. known for her lengthy acting career, Among his many community contribut she also was a longtime champion butions, he served on the Hopkinton of animal welfare causes.

School Committee.

Since her death, there has been a On a personal note, having coached national movement to celebrate what one of his grandchildren in multiple would have been her 100th birthday sports — alongside one of Murphy’s on Jan. 17 by donating money, time or daughters — it was always enjoyable both to an animal shelter. seeing Fred and his wife, Judy, on the In response to inquiries and offers sideline or in the stands, where they of assistance, Baypath Humane SociH AY D E N R OW E P R O P E R T I E S . C O M were regulars. He was justifiably proud ety in Hopkinton is looking to get out Independent Thoughts | 3 the word about its greatest need, which HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 3

Trail proposal has multiple safety issues The Upper Charles Trail Committee’s proposal to put the Upper Charles Trail on Hayden Rowe Street creates immediate dangers. Hayden Rowe (Route 85) is a main thoroughfare for ambulances traveling to Milford Regional Hospital as well as for fire and police vehicles heading south out of LETTERS TO town during an emergency. By putting the trail on the east side THE EDITOR of Hayden Rowe, which is a “soft” pullover, there will be no space for cars and trucks to pull off the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass as, I assume, both sides of the road will be curbed for safety purposes. This, then, becomes an inherent danger to all vehicles and drivers on the road as well as any users of the trail.

Also, the UCTC proposal creates another danger as this plan requires users to cross 15 driveways along the route. It is already difficult to get out of my own driveway onto Hayden Rowe; the road from the Chestnut Street intersection to the cutoff near Marathon School is a straightaway and drivers travel at excessive speeds. Trying to monitor backing out onto the road as well as look in both directions for runners, bikers, skateboarders or walkers on the trail creates an inherent safety situation for all involved.

Second, there is already heavy usage on this road at all times of day. In the morning and afternoon, traffic backs up heading north or south because of the four schools located on this stretch of road. Add to this the regular commuter traffic on Route 85 as well as the traffic light at the Chestnut Street intersection, and what you have are impatient and aggravated drivers who could potentially endanger those trail users trying to cross Hayden Rowe at the three designated crossing sites. Adding speed bumps or narrowing the road as some have suggested will only add to the existing chaos. We need only remember the young man who was tragically killed or the woman who was hit by a car near EMC Park to see that this possibility is a real issue. Lastly, the traffic is also clogged every day with the stopping of UPS, FedEx and Amazon trucks.

Given these safety issues, it seems to us that the “western alternative” offered by the Hopkinton Trails Club is the safer alternative for all concerned. It virtually eliminates all of the real and serious dangers mentioned above.

— Richard and Michele Cunningham Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton

A Big THANK YOU to All Our Clients for making us the

#1 REAL ESTATE TEAM in Hopkinton

Chuck Joseph, Ann Clark and Mike Auen

With a combined 56 years experience our team of three provides triple the service *per MLSPIN

Please contact us for a NO OBLIGATION Market Analysis

Chuck Joseph 508-509-6169

Public should keep talking trails The Trails Club thanks all those who attended the recent Upper Charles Trail Committee’s public forum. We also thank the committee for their work to date, and look forward to seeing this project move forward with careful consideration given to the concerns expressed to the committee. We urge the community to remain involved, attending future meetings and helping to guide the design. Given the amount of feedback offered at the meeting, we feel it would be valuable for the town manager to conduct additional focus groups to share information and gather input from the town’s residents. Finally, we ask that everyone fill out the Planning Board survey on trail use.

A reminder that information about this project is available on the Trails Club’s website (hopkintontrailsclub.com), including a link to HCAM’s recording of the meeting and the Trails Club’s summary.

Mike Auen

508-951-4951

Ann Clark

508-439-2728

CELEBRATE! Home selling is easy when you list with Bill Gassett

— John Ritz, Hopkinton Trails Club

Lower speeds on West Main There has been much discussion about how dangerous West Main Street is in front of Cumberland Farms. No left turn could help, but I haven’t heard any discussion about lowering the speed limit in that stretch of roadway. I’ve observed drivers merging from 495 onto West Main toward town and never slowLetters to the Editor | 5

Murphy will be missed Independent Thoughts | from page 2

that his children and grandchildren continued the Murphy athletic legacy in town, and did so with class.

COVID crisis ‘exhausting’ The current COVID surge comes at a time when many people were eager to try to get back to a sense of normalcy.

The town’s health officials can sympathize. No one is enjoying having to tighten the reins to get this latest wave

under control, and that was clear from comments at the Jan. 3 Board of Health meeting.

“All we’re trying to do is what is best for the community,” said Health Director Shaun McAuliffe, whose staff has had to deal with a few angry residents, some of whom have bought into the conspiracy theories floating around social media. “I just would ask that people put all of the partisan stuff aside.”

Added Board of Health Chair Lisa Whittemore: “This has been two years Bill Gassett of nonstop crisis intervention, and it’s exhausting.”

HopkintonIndependent.com

Pick up the phone and call today

One of the top RE/MAX agents in Massachusetts RE/MAX Executive Realty 22 South Street, Suite 203 Hopkinton / 508-509-4867

billgassett@remaxexec.com www.maxrealestateexposure.com www.sellmyhomeinmetrowestma.com

4 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Lone Wolf BBQ, Ocean Nutrition open on Main Street A

Town starts rebate program for water As part of its temporary solution to the PFAS-tainted water issue, the town announced last month that it has started

Lone Wolf BBQ is located at 24 Main Street.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

t its Dec. 14 meeting, the Select Board approved awarding a common victualer license to Cheryl Kiefer for Lone Wolf BBQ, a new restaurant that has taken the spot at 24 Main Street previously occupied by BitNEWS BRIEFS tersweet.

Kiefer said the establishment hasn’t settled on its hours. While its license application initially asked for 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., she said she was considering opening for breakfast, so the application was amended at the meeting to show a 5 a.m. opening. Additionally, she said she was planning to have radio/television and possibly a karaoke machine and, so an entertainment license was included.

“At this time we’re still trying to feel out the Town of Hopkinton — what they are looking for, what their interests are, what the foot traffic will be,” Kiefer said. “There will be takeout; we’re looking at possible delivery as well.

We’re keeping our options open so we can see what the interest actually is for Hopkinton.”

Added Kiefer: “We’re very, very excited to get started.”

The restaurant had a soft opening in late December but then closed for a few days due to a death in the family, according to a note in the window.

Another new business on Main Street also opened recently. Ocean Nutrition, which serves “healthy meal replacement smoothies and energizing teas,” moved into the spot at 76 Main Street previously occupied by Pyne Nutrition.

a rebate program for households with at least one member in the sensitive subgroup.

The sensitive subgroup consists of pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants under 1 year of age and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system.

Individuals in this subgroup are advised by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to not consume, drink or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above the state’s legal limit, which is the case in Hopkinton.

The rebate program, effective Dec. 7, will be in the form of a water bill credit of up to $20 per household per month, provided that the household’s water bill is at least $20 per month, to offset the cost of purchasing bottled water. This rebate program is valid until MassDEP and the town determine that the use of bottled water is no longer necessary.

The town notes that the rebate program is not intended to operate as a guarantee regarding any exposure to PFAS and does not imply that it limits

DISCOUNT HEATING OIL

exposure to PFAS from other sources.

The application for the bottled water rebate program can be found on the Hopkinton Department of Public Works page at the town’s website.

Despite ‘mild stroke,’ Spilka will seek reelection State Senate President Karen Spilka, an Ashland Democrat who also represents Hopkinton, confirmed that she had a “mild stroke” in November but said she still plans to run for reelection in 2022.

When news broke of her health issue, Spilka released a statement in late December saying she was diagnosed by her doctors as having had a mild stroke.

“My symptoms, a severe headache and nausea, were not the typical signs of stroke,” she stated. “As they worsened, I canceled a planned trip to Washington, D.C., on November 15. The next day, I sought medical care. I returned to working in a remote

CHRISTINE’S NAILS of Hopkinton

Express Yourself!

Call for price Same Day Delivery Senior Discounts

150 Gallon Minimum

Book online at christinesnail.com or call for an appointment

508-620-6251 DISCOUNT HEATING OIL

WWW.SAMEDAYOIL.COM Same Day Delivery Senior Discounts

508-620-6251

Walk-ins welcome

508-435-0222

22 South Street, Hopkinton

capacity the following day and have been working with colleagues and staff throughout my recovery. I am feeling stronger every day, and my doctors expect a full recovery within a matter of weeks.”

Spilka added that she was “proud of what we have accomplished in the Senate and energized by the work ahead to support the residents of our Commonwealth. We have important work to do on mental health care, childcare, our climate and much more.

As we move into a new year, I look forward to running for reelection in 2022 and having the opportunity once again to lead the Senate as Senate President.”

Translation tool added to town website Hopkinton Director of Information Technology Josh Grossetti recently announced the launch of a new language translation tool on the town’s website (hopkintonma.gov).

Translations are offered in more than 80 languages, including Arabic, Chinese (simplified), Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and more.

These are the languages for which Hopkinton Public Schools provides translation/interpretation throughout households in town.

“We are pleased to offer this new translation service as it allows us to be more inclusive for non-Englishspeaking community members, and it ensures that all of our residents have equitable access to town information shared on our site,” Grossetti stated via a town press release.

The town noted that it is using a third-party tool, Google Translate, and, as such, the town does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. Community members can report incorrect translation by hovering over the text containing the error and clicking “Contribute a better translation” in the text box that appears.

Anyone with questions regarding the new translation service is encouraged to contact Grossetti at 508-4979756 or jgrossetti@hopkintonma.gov.

Town Meeting warrant opened At its Dec. 14 meeting, the Select Board voted to open the May 2 Annual Town Meeting warrant.

Town Manager Norman Khumalo called it “a step that actually begins to bring residents into the legislative process,” and requested that any residents interested in adding an article reach out to Town Hall for assistance.

In a press release on Dec. 30, the town indicated that article language can be submitted via email as a shared Google doc or in Microsoft Word format to Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus at elainel@hopkintonma.gov, News briefs | 5

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 5 News briefs | from page 4

or on paper by mail to Town Manager’s Office, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748. The town website (hopkintonma.gov) has a Guide for Citizen Petitioners with more details on the process.

The warrant will close Feb. 1.

Misc.: Residents warned about 3G phaseout With major cellular providers set to phase out 3G coverage as early as February, the town is seeking to make residents and businesses with older technology aware of the potential loss of cell and data functions, specifically 911 service availability.

According to information from the state’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), mobile carriers are returning 3G technology to add bandwidth for faster and more reliable network services, such as 5G.

If a mobile phone is more than several years old (e.g., older than an iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy S4), the phone might require an upgrade.

For more information, visit the EOPSS page at mass.gov. …

Khumalo said the town fire truck, Engine 4, that recently was ruined in a fire is covered by insurance, although the town might look to invest in some upgrades, so he is planning to include it on the Town Meeting warrant. …

Renewal of common victualer licenses and alcoholic licenses for a number of establishments received Select Board approval last month. All passed unanimously with the exception of Hiller’s Pizza. Member Brendan Tedstone voted against awarding a common victualer license to the Lumber Street restaurant without explanation, but it was approved 4-1. …

The board accepted the resignation of John Savignano from the Board of Appeals and thanked him for his longtime service to the town.

Paul Ostrander

Save $1500+ with an Ostrander Paul-icy

when you switch from Liberty Mutual!

Add your name to the list of customers who already saved by switching their home and auto insurance from Liberty Mutual to Ostrander Insurance:

Town should lower speed limit Letters to the Editor | from page 3

ing down — they don’t need to when the speed limit is 40 mph. When traveling east or west I automatically slow down because I live in town and know the perils of driving through that area. Visitors coming off 495 or cutting through town likely aren’t familiar with it but are adhering to the speed limit. I think a good start would be to decrease the speed limit to 30 mph through that stretch of town to slow people down and create more awareness. It’s only going to get worse with another gas station opening up in the near future.

508.966.1116 Paul@OstranderInsurance.com

OstranderInsurance.com

— Sara Mayo, Hopkinton

• Joe & C aroline: Saved $ • Ca s ey 1,892 & John: Saved $ • Kristy 1,394 n & Chr is: Save • Collee d $2,693 n & Rya n: Saved • Enrico $1,089 & Judy: Saved $ • Sus a n 1,341 ne: Save d $887 • Kirk: S aved $1 ,535 • L a u re n : Saved $3,130

Call Paul fo r insurance a free po rev iew toda rtfolio y!

‘Welcome to Hopkinton’ sign on mend As a member of the Hopkinton Garden Club, we would like to thank you for publishing [the Dec. 8 online] photo of the downed “Welcome to Hopkinton” sign. The Hopkinton Garden Club had this sign made about 20 years ago, with contributions from the Hopkinton Women’s Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and we have been talking about making repairs to it in the spring. We knew it was in rough shape but had no idea how bad! We would not have known about its demise if we hadn’t seen the photo. Our president, Ann Hogaboom, immediately contacted the DPW to see if they could house the sign until we can make the repairs.

Thank you so much for your morning newsletter!!! We hope to “Welcome” everyone back in the spring.

— Ruth Gorman, Hopkinton Garden Club

Adopters should be careful with pit bulls

Happy New Year!

My 3 New Year’s Resolutions are...

LIVE in the moment SHOW gratitude daily And... REPRESENT YOU on your next real estate transaction!

We were surprised and concerned when reading the December 8th edition article “Devoted dogs seek new home.”

The adoptable dogs are two pit bulls weighing 50 and 90 pounds and came as an “owner surrender.”

We would hope that if the dogs are adopted no babies or children are in the home, and it should be advertised as such. There are too many stories about these type of dogs attacking and even killing babies/children.

JOIN ME! Let’s get started on your next move.

— Marcia Chwalek, 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

508.435.8000 HopkintonMoves.com | Trina@TrinaMacchi.com 11 GROVE STREET | HOPKINTON | MA 01748

6 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Barber charged with stabbing pregnant co-worker Stabbing | from page 1

by the Independent, messaged that she was OK with publicizing it, as she was too weak to respond to all the people who reached out to her.

Hawkins wrote that she was cleaning up the shop at about 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 31, preparing to go home for the evening, She was there with two other barbers, both with clients in their chairs.

One of the barbers, David Martinez, then “walked up behind me and stabbed me with his shears in my back twice,” she wrote. “Once with the shears open and another time closed. It honestly felt like he had punched me really hard, as he works out at an MMA [mixed martial arts] gym.

“In total shock and disbelief, as I am 12 weeks pregnant with my husband and I’s first child, and because this was completely and totally unprovoked, I rightfully started screaming, ‘I am pregnant! What the [expletive] is happening?!’ It is then that I saw a trail of my blood throughout the shop from his shears as he paced around like a rabid animal.

“The man proceeded to yell, ‘You guys have me buggin’ out!’ Then pointing to thin air said, ‘He’s wearing red, he’s wearing blue, him yellow!’

“The other barber, John, and myself are obviously in a state of disbelief and shock. Mind you, this person had worked with us since September and had never once exhibited this kind of behavior.

“This past week I had noticed how quiet and zoned out he had been, and all

NEW YEAR NEW OFFICE

I have experienced deep, painful trauma in my life, but this, this totally unprovoked, senseless, random attack on my life and my unborn child’s life has shaken me to my core.

— Hometown Barbershop barber Liz Hawkins

[of the previous day] he had kept excusing himself with clients in his chair to go to the back [of the shop]. I have no idea why, but I’m sure it’s pertinent to his behavior.

“This person’s client [whose] hair he had just been cutting three minutes ago sprung from his chair, as well as John’s, and had no idea what to do. None of us did. There was a father and his teenage son waiting in our lounge area as well, by some miracle this gentleman is a cardiac nurse.

“Everyone sprung into action, from applying towels to the stab wounds, to calling 911, to following David Martinez outside to make sure he didn’t try to flee. Hopkinton’s law enforcement as well as the Ashland Fire Department and EMTs arrived within 10 minutes, shutting down the busy chunk of Main Street that our shop is located on. These incredible first responders, one of whom

We’re Moving The Law Office of Christine H. Burke is moving to: 52 Pleasant Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 as of January 31 We will be closed from January 26 through January 30 Christine H. Burke, ESQ ATTORNEY AT LAW | LLM TAXATION

e: Christine.Burke.Law@gmail.com p: 508.435.8500 f: 508.435-8530

coincidentally is a client of the shop’s, prepared me to be transported to UMass [Memorial Medical Center in Worcester] about 30 minutes away.”

Hawkins indicated her baby was foremost on her mind at the time.

“While the pain and discomfort was blinding, all I could cry about was my baby. Was my baby OK?” she wrote.

Hawkins soon learned that her baby was not injured.

“I believe in the universe as my higher power, but I rejoiced in God and every entity possible when they found my uterus was in no way harmed and the baby’s heartbeat was normal,” she wrote. “This person punctured my colon in two different spots, as well as my diaphragm and nicked my spleen.”

Hawkins was met by her husband, “more scared than I’d ever seen him,” and they waited for the operating room to be prepared for surgery around 10 p.m. However, she soon started feeling worse.

“By 8 I could feel myself dying,” she wrote. “Without over-exaggerating, I felt my breathing becoming impossible and my mind slipping away from me, sweat and incoherent rambling pouring out of me.”

Hawkins wrote that she was switched to an emergency operating room, where she underwent a four-hour surgery to repair her colon and patch her diaphragm.

“I woke up at 12:30 extremely nauseous, puked and felt a sense of relief.

While I was in excruciating pain from the incisions, I was no longer experiencing the discomfort I’d come in with.”

The following morning, Hawkins had an ultrasound “to show me the baby is perfectly fine … and the heartbeat was still total normal.”

Added Hawkins: “My spleen will heal on its own and they’ve discovered

The Smart Call for Heating & Cooling

WARM WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR!

JENNIFER FRENCH 617-997-2207

Thinking of Selling or Buying? Call me today! jenniferfrench.re@gmail.com | www.jenniferfrench.com

a collapsed lung, most likely from the trauma to my diaphragm. The colon is the big source of concern, and I will be on bedrest for six or so weeks because of the risk of hernias as well as pregnancy moving my organs up. The diaphragm is the source of the pain, it radiates up the left side of my body, and inhaling is tough. The incision on my stomach is pretty intense, and for the time being another source of severe pain.”

Martinez — who Hawkins referred to as “the man who attacked me at random” — was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault and battery on a pregnant person and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was scheduled to have a dangerousness hearing in Framingham District Court on Jan. 4, but the hearing was pushed back to this week. Martinez was being held without bail in the meantime.

Hawkins said she has a lot of work ahead as she tries to recover both physically and emotionally.

“The physical wounds will heal eventually with time and love, but mentally I am in a spot I’ve not felt before. I have experienced deep, painful trauma in my life, but this, this totally unprovoked, senseless, random attack on my life and my unborn child’s life has shaken me to my core. Thank God for my husband, he labels himself a ‘fixer’ in life, and he has stepped up in every way imaginable over the last 24 hours.

Our love is the medicine I need.

“Thank God for my and my husband’s family — anything and everything they can do, they have and are willing to for as long as I possibly need.

Thank God for my best friend, she will be flying up next week to care for me and be the source of peace I need to get through this.

“I never imagined starting 2022 like this, but as long as I’m healthy and my baby is healthy and my husband is beside me, this too shall pass.”

Hometown Barbershop announced its reopening for Jan. 4 on social media.

“Liz has been with Hometown Barbershop since we opened our doors two years ago and we have been so grateful for her dedication to us and the community,” the business posted on Facebook. “After speaking with Liz and our other barbers, we have decided to reopen our doors on [Jan. 4] with the goal to continue serving the great communities around us.

“We’d like to ask you all to keep Liz and her baby in your thoughts and prayers as they recover.”

888-818-2028 www.coanoil.com

Gas, Oil and AC Equipment Sales & Service HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 7

Details shared on 17 Main redesign

OPENING DOORS

The building at 17 Main Street is set to be reconstructed and expanded.

To New Beginnings

“W

e had a truly great experience with Sandy. When 2021 was a challenging year, interviewing real estate agents, but there were SILVER LININGS Sandy stood out as putting in interwoven throughout. the long hours and thoroughly researching all relevant properties.

For those in Hopkinton who chose Her reasoning and suggestions to sell their homes in 2021, they benefited from dramatic salesmade pricea lot of sense. Afterwards, Sandy increases, multiple offers and homeswas always on top of things, always organized, always working being sold within days. hard and always putting her I am excited about this year’s customers first. Her connections with the Town of Hopkinton were possibilities! While less than what instrumental in gettingyear quick we saw in 2021, economists still predict another of rising 508-380-4405 permits awaiting and her relationships home sale prices. Buyers are eagerly homes to come on www.SandyLHomes.com with various professionals allowed the market.

As of January 7 there were only 4 single-family SandyL@remaxexec.com homes for sale in Hopkinton.us to complete repairs ahead of Hopkinton Realtor schedule. It was a pleasure working Since 2004 with Sandy and wecould could mean not have Let’s talk about what this strong sales market for asked for a better agent! analysis of you. I will gladly provide a complimentary market

My Reflections...

SANDY

LUCCHESI

T

he building at 17 Main Street, which was damaged by fire in 2020, is set to be reconstructed and expanded.

Hopkinton’s Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects, which is handling the redesign for owner Tom Carey and contractor BUSINESS BRIEFS John Burns, recently shared details of the plans.

There will be a first-floor expansion with additional retail/ commercial space in the rear of the building. The second floor will include three apartments. The main floor will continue to be used for office space.

The redesign has received approval from the Historic District Commission, which is required because it sits in the Downtown Historic District, as well as the Planning Board. Carey said he hopes work will begin in early March.

The building originally was built around 1850. It is known to longtime residents at Dr. Joe’s house, as it served as the home and office of Dr. Joseph Ferdinand Annunziata Sr., at the time the only practicing physician in town, for 35 years until his death in 1977.

your home. Call me!

”

— July 2020 Hopkinton Seller

Sandy Lucchesi

Housing inventory is historically low.

Call me to discuss what that means for you.

508-380-4405

www.SandyLHomes.com | SandyL@remaxexec.com Hopkinton Realtor Since 2004

RE/MAX No. 1 in Top Places to Work RE/MAX Executive Realty, which is based in Franklin and Hopkinton, was named the No. 1 midsize company in Massachusetts in The Boston Globe’s list of Top Places to Work.

“Our work has a purpose and is meaningful. Helping and caring for others is what we are all about,” the company stated via a press release announcing the achievement.

“While our ‘work’ may be the foundation of RE/MAX Executive Realty, our heart of our organization is our people. We truly believe our agents and our employees are the heart and soul of our company. We are blessed with an amazing group of people who create a culture and an environment of honesty, professionalism, collaboration, generosity and fun! We are so grateful to have and support each other.”

Resident becomes partner at law firm Hopkinton resident Joseph M. Cacace was elected to the partnership at Boston law firm Todd & Weld LLP effective Jan. 1.

According to a press release from the firm, Cacace, is a seasoned trial and appellate litigator who represents clients in complex civil disputes and appeals of all types, including business litigation, real estate litigation, class actions, civil rights cases, litigation against government agencies and employees, and defamation cases raising First Amendment issues.

A graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School, Cacace has been named a Massachusetts Rising Star for Business Litigation by Super Lawyers every year since 2015, and he was selected by Best Lawyers in America to its list of Ones to Watch for commercial litigation in 2022.

We Are Moving!

THE LAW OFFICE OF NEALON & NEALON ATTORNEYS MOVING TO: 85 MAIN STREET, HOPKINTON

Mass Audubon names regional director Mass Audubon named Scott McCue as its new MetroWest regional director, which includes oversight of Hopkinton’s Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary.

McCue succeeds Renata Pomponi, who has been promoted to senior regional director for the statewide conservation organization’s Metro Boston wildlife sanctuaries and programs.

McCue served as chief operating officer and dean of the Sposato Graduate School of Education in Boston until 2020. Previously, he founded and led a Grade 6-12 public school in Boston. Under his leadership, both educational institutions received national recognition. He also has worked with New England Forestry Foundation.

“We welcome Scott to Mass Audubon and look forward to his vision for advancing the value and importance of conservation and environmental education within our MetroWest communities,” Pomponi said in a Mass Audubon press release.

McCue said the conservation organization’s mission to connect people with nature “has never been more relevant or important to people’s lives. It certainly is to mine, and that relationship will continue to inform my commitment as I work with my new colleagues, Mass Audubon members, and visitors to our sanctuaries.”

Providing Legal Services to the Hopkinton Community for over 50 years.

HopkintonIndependent.com

(508) 435-5000

8 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

New library director seeks to update collection, restructure staff

By Courtney Cornelius Contributing Writer

N

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

anci Milone Hill has enough experience in libraries to fill a book.

Now, she’s eager to apply her 20 years of wide-ranging expertise in her newly appointed position as director of Hopkinton Public Library.

Hill has had a lifelong love of literature and grew up spending time in libraries. She pursued higher education in writing and philosophy, obtaining her bachelor’s before pausing to have a family.

After her daughter was born, Hill accepted a position as library assistant in an elementary school in Gloucester — but, “I found out the first day, there was no other librarian! There was no one to ‘assist,’ ” she says.

She quickly gained exposure to various facets of library operations, prompting her to obtain her Master’s of Library Science from Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science. She then transitioned from schools to public library systems, serving as head of readers’ services at Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen, then director of Boxford Town Library and later director of M.G. Parker Memorial Library in Dracut from 2013-21.

Hill continued to expand her breadth of experience, honing skills in everything from staff development and community partnerships to budgeting and technology; from marketing and branding to grant writing, collection development and reader advisory services.

While her career has advanced at

Nanci Hill began as Hopkinton Public Library director last month.

the administrative level, Hill notes: “My favorite aspect is meeting the patrons and helping them discover what they are seeking, whether recreational reading or information.”

Hill volunteered as president of Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (2014) and Massachusetts Library Association (2016). As an author herself, she’s published a book (“Reading Women: A Guide for Women’s Fiction Book Groups”) and several articles. She was inducted into the Massachusetts Library

There are few things that keep you warmer than Al’s Oil…

Association Hall of Fame in May 2018.

Somehow, Hill still finds time to read. “Never ask a library person their favorite book!” she says with a laugh.

“We can’t choose just one.” Her current recommendations can be found on a Director’s Picks list in the library, but among her favorite authors are Anne Rice, Deborah Harkness and Barbara Kingsolver. “I appreciate their historical research and lyrical writing style,” she observes.

Hill plans to increase diversity and

inclusion in the collection as well as in programming and services; for instance, expanding the selection of materials available in foreign languages. She also notes changes in how people use libraries, particularly electronic content such as audio and e-books, digital magazines and movies. The use of e-content doubled during the COVID pandemic, and the library will be taking a look at the proportion of the budget spent on e-content versus print.

Another area of focus centers on staffing. Like most organizations, recent staffing shortages have affected operations. Hill appreciates the support of substitutes and volunteers and part-time employees who have stepped up to fill in the gaps, but she says the library needs to bulk up the full-time staff in order to offer Saturday and Sunday hours. “We’ll be restructuring the organization in terms of staffing and ensuring job descriptions match the actual responsibilities,” she shares, adding they are currently interviewing for an adult services position.

Most of all, Hill is looking forward to getting out into the community and teaming up with businesses and nonprofits in town. “Hopkinton is a welcoming environment, and there has been a great show of support,” she says.

Hill’s office space is designed to facilitate interaction with the public, and she invites patrons to pop in or email anytime: “I’m really open to community input regarding what people are looking for in terms of content and services and how the library can improve,” she says.

“Stop by and say hello!”

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

Still Locally Owned & Serving Your neighbors for Over 60 Years!

Because We Care.

Join our ! family

Conversation Circles

508-753-7221 • ALSOILSERVICE.com LOWEST PRICES • FULL-SERVICE • 24-HR EXPERT BURNER SERVICE • WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

Happy New Year!

New Year, New Beginning!

Thinking of selling? Find out what your home is worth.

Call or text me today for your FREE home valuation.

508-345-1644

Session 1: Wednesday, Jan. 12, 1-2 p.m.

Session 2: Thursday, Jan. 13, 6-7:30 p.m.

English Language Learners Conversation Circles are designed to provide an opportunity for English Language Learners to practice vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Emphasis will be placed on providing conversation skills that reflect day-to-day life. Flexibility will be emphasized so that the needs of participants can be met. All Conversation Circles will be led by trained community volunteers and will be ongoing throughout the spring.

Register via the library website.

Sensational Snakes

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 7-8 p.m.

Some people fear snakes, but people often fear what they do not understand. Attendees will learn how snakes act as important predators and help people in many ways they may not realize, and learn what to do if they see a snake. There will be some very sssspecial guests. This program is appropriate for all ages. Register via the library website.

Freedom Team Book Club ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 7-8 p.m.

Each month, Freedom Team Book Club participants read a book about bias, discrimination or inequity. In January the group will be reading “Heavy: An American Memoir” by Kiese Laymon. Copies will be available at the library.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 9

Local author seeks to help businesses become more profitable Robert Buday of Hopkinton has released his second book, “Competing on Thought Leadership: How Great B2B Companies Turn Expertise Into Revenue.”

By Jane Bigda Contributing Writer

H

opkinton resident Robert Buday had a productive COVID year.

Drawing on his over three decades of helping large and small companies market themselves, he spent the last months writing and publishing his second book, “Competing on Thought Leadership: How Great B2B Companies Turn Expertise Into Revenue.”

“Thought leadership is not rocket science, but it is not easy, either,” said Buday. He explained it is getting companies to think about what they really do, how it addresses the needs of their customers and then expressing those ideas or philosophy in informative opinion pieces, articles, blogs, etc.

Buday notes it is a way for businesses to market themselves, so clients feel confident in approaching and then engaging the firms.

As a marketing tool, thought leadership has become very popular with large companies or B2B (business to business) firms, but it can be successfully used by almost any size service company. “It is a concept that could be used by consultants, attorneys, medical professionals, financial advisers, social workers and many more,” said Buday.

“As an example, if I were looking for a dentist and he or she had written articles about the philosophy of their practice, I would be more likely to choose the dentist whose philosophy I buy into.”

He added, “It is a different way of putting a business out there in the market.”

Buday’s book covers the principals

Thought leadership is not rocket science, but it is not easy, either. ­— Robert Buday of the concept and offers specific tools on how it can work for individual businesses. As Amazon reviewer Philip Morgan wrote, “It offers useful definitions of thought leadership, and there are specific parts of the book, like where the author defines ‘the six elements of a persuasive argument,’ that are printit-out-and-put-it-on-the-wall-worthy.”

In many ways, the book is a culmination of Buday’s career. A former

business journalist with the Orange County Register in Southern California, InformationWeek and Miramar Publications, the New Jersey native earned a bachelor of arts in communication studies from Penn State. In 1987, he began his thought leadership marketing career, spending a decade with CSC Index, a management consulting firm, where he helped bring the concept of business reengineering to prominence.

A decade later, he co-founded Bloom Group, which provided thought leadership strategy, content development and marketing services to large companies like Microsoft plus smaller B2B firms. In 2020, he went on to form Buday Thought Leadership Partners, where he advises clients on developing thought leadership strategies and creating compelling content that attracts large audiences. Buday also was the lead researcher on six thought leadership marketing studies and since 2016 has co-produced an annual conference, “Profiting from Thought Leadership.”

He has helped a half-dozen clients develop and publish books and helped others write more than 50 Harvard Business Review articles and many opinion pieces for additional business publications. In 2008, he was lead author of the book “Thoughts on Thought Leadership,” a compendium of Bloom Group’s writings from 1998 to 2008.

A resident of Massachusetts for over three decades, first in Upton and then Hopkinton since 1993, Buday had some homegrown talent assist him with his latest book. His wife, Cathy, a writer and editor (whose work has been published in the Hopkinton Independent), helped edit his book.

“Competing on Thought Leadership: How Great B2B Companies Turn Expertise Into Revenue” was released

by Ideapress Publishing as an e-book in early December and as a print book in January. Both versions are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble or by visiting BudayTLP.com.

A SINCERE THANK YOU TO MY 2021 CUSTOMERS 8 Penny Meadow Lane

Direct, Personal,

40 Miller Hill Road, Dover

17 Blackthorne Circle

Individualized Service

11 Penny Meadow Lane

169 Saddle Hill Road 1 Rosewood Lane 4 Chestnut Street 30 Smith Road 8 Summit Way 52 Grove Street 25 Kimball Road

From One Source Every Time, All the Time Kathy Hart Williamson Recognized by Boston Magazine as a 2021 Top Producer

508-435-3018

kathy.williamson@commonmoves.com

14 Pendulum Pass 11 Blackthorne Circle

7 Connelly Hill Road 7 Hearthstone Road 14 Duffield Road 5 Cobblers Way 170 Ash Street 20 Smith Road 0 Eastview Road 15 Paula Road, Milford

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

6 Crescent Street, Stow

Commonwealth Real Estate

3 Summit Point, Holliston

HomeServices

9 Penny Meadow Lane

HopkintonIndependent.com

10 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT HOPKINTON DRINKING WATER Anyone in need of a translation see contacts below.

Hopkinton Water Department located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts has levels of PFAS6 above the Drinking Water Standard What happened?

Our water system received notification of PFAS6 results showing that our system violated the 20 ng/L PFAS6 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) drinking water standard during the July – September 2021 compliance period with a quarterly average of 22 ng/L at the Fruit St. Pump Station.

Samples collected on July 28, 2021, August 26, 2021, and September 21, 2021, reported levels of PFAS6 at 20.9 and 20.5 ng/L and 24.7 ng/L, respectively. Exceedance of the MCL has been determined from these results. Compliance with the PFAS6 MCL is calculated as a quarterly average based upon the total number of samples collected during the compliance period. The location where elevated levels of PFAS6 were reported is from one of five facilities (including the Ashland Interconnection) that supplies drinking water to our system. PFAS6 levels were reported below the MCL at our other locations.

What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Although this is not an emergency, as a consumer of the water, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we did and are doing to correct this situation.

water-quality-standards-for-bottled-water-in-massachusetts#list-ofbottlersFor all other consumers not in a sensitive subgroup • If you are not in a sensitive subgroup, you may continue to consume the water because 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime consuming the water and shorter duration exposures present less risk.

• If you have specific health concerns regarding your past exposure, you should see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) link below and consult a health professional, such as your doctor.

Steps you can take to reduce your intake - Consider taking the following steps while actions are being implemented to address this issue: • For older children and adults (not in a sensitive subgroup), the 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water. For these groups, shorter duration exposures present less risk. However, if you are concerned about your exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS6 concentration in the drinking water, use of bottled water1 will reduce your exposure.

• In most situations, the water can be safely used for washing foods, brushing teeth, bathing, and showering.

On October 2, 2020, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued a new drinking water regulation setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for the sum of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (called PFAS6). PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA).

PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain resistant products, and other industrial processes. An MCL is the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system.

Some people who drink water containing PFAS6 in excess of the MCL may experience certain adverse effects. These could include effects on the liver, blood, immune system, thyroid, and fetal development. These PFAS6 may also elevate the risk of certain cancers. For more information on PFAS, see the links below.

What should I do?

For consumers in a sensitive subgroup (pregnant or nursing women, infants, and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system) • Consumers in a sensitive subgroup are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 ng/L. • Consumers in a sensitive subgroup are advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking of foods that absorb water (like pasta).

• For infant formula, use bottled water or use formula that does not require adding water.

• Bottled water should only be used if it has been tested. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires companies licensed to sell or distribute bottled water or carbonated non-alcoholic beverages to test for PFAS. See https://www.mass.gov/info-details/

Please note: Boiling the water will not destroy PFAS6 and will somewhat increase its level due to evaporation of some of the water.

What is being done?

Our water system has taken the following pro-active measures: • Our other sources were sampled, and those sources did not contain PFAS6 above the MCL. • We will continue to blend water at the Fruit Street Water Treatment Facility to reduce PFAS6 levels at this location.

• We will continue to sample our water sources for PFAS6.

• We are investigating treatment options to remove PFAS6.

• We will provide a temporary solution for providing water that is below the MCL for PFAS6 while a permanent mitigation plan is executed.

• When additional information becomes available, this public notice will be updated.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, please contact the Director of Public Works, John Westerling, at 508-497-9740 or jwesterling@hopkintonma.gov, or the Water/Sewer Manager, Eric Carty, at 508-497-9765 or ericc@hopkintonma. gov, or view our website at: https://www.hopkintonma.gov/departments/ department_of_public_works/pfas.php Additional information can be found at the weblinks listed below: • MassDEP Fact Sheet – Questions and Answers for Consumers https://www.mass.gov/media/1854351 • CDC ATSDR Information on PFAS for consumers and health professionals https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html • Massachusetts Department of Public Health information about PFAS in Drinking Water - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/per-andpolyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-in-drinking-water

This notice is being brought to you by the Town of Hopkinton

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 11 The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services check Ourseniorcenter.com/ find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

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.

Thrift Store

Garden Club Online Speaker Series Jan. 18

SENIOR SNIPPETS

The thrift store is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Transportation Programs for Seniors The Senior Center offers transportation to and from the Senior Center as well as local shopping Tuesdays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents.

The Senior Center also can help residents find transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping, utilizing grants and MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) programs. Individuals aged 60 and older, veterans or those homebound due to a disability should call the Outreach Department at the Senior Center at least three business days in advance of the desired day of travel at 508-497-9730, ext. 1615, for assistance in scheduling a ride.

Lunch Program Meals are back in person at the Senior Center. Individuals should call to sign up at least two days in advance. The cost is $5 per meal, or a pre-purchased ticket for five meals is $20. The Senior Center website has the full lunch menu.

Exercise Classes All classes now are in person Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

Exercise with Linda, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.

Stretch class, Tuesdays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Balance & Flexibility, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

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

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Tai chi, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Zumba, Fridays, 9:15 a.m.

Chi gong, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Meditation, alternating Fridays, noon (call for schedule)

CALENDAR

The Hopkinton Garden Club’s Online Speaker Series presents “Gardens of the Scottish Highlands” with Jana Milbacher, the principal of Enchanted Gardens, a lecturer and garden writer. Participants will enjoy an armchair tour of 15 very different gardens in Scotland — from castle and historic estate properties in the Highlands to botanic gardens and intimate private Edens.

The presentation will be held on Tuesday. Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit hopkintongardenclub.org or email register@hopkintongardenclub.org.

Knights of Columbus free throw contest Feb. 11 The annual Knights of Columbus free throw competition, originally scheduled for Jan. 4, will be held Friday, Feb. 11, at Hopkinton High School after the Hopkinton-Ashland varsity girls basketball game. All boys and girls ages 9-14 can participate regardless of disabilities. Trophies/medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category, and first-place winners advance to the district finals. Registration will begin in the high school gym at 7:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Ashland/Hopkinton Council (Bishop Rice Council 4822).

Veterans Breakfast first Friday of each month The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck or Judi Allessio at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.

Trails organizations seek monthly volunteers

Art Appreciation: American Art Explained Wednesday, Jan. 19, 1 p.m.

Participants will experience paintings from colonial times to today as they tell America’s story — including the Revolutionary War, immigration, industrialization and more. From folk art portraits to surprising realism, then to impressionist and abstract images, visualize America’s growth and change as well as its developing artistic styles through time. Register by calling the Senior Center.

Stocking the Pantry for the Winter Wednesday, Jan. 26, 12:30 p.m.

This presentation will provide some helpful tips for stocking a good pantry and some easy pantry meal ideas for the cold winter months.

Machu Picchu: Past and Present Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2:30 p.m. (virtual) Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the most iconic archeological site of Peru and South America. This virtual lecture will go back to its origins, its meaning for the Inca society and its significance to the western world in 1911. The experience will end with a guided photo expedition to the site, located in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Peruvian Andes. Call the Senior Center for the link.

Cultural Conversations: Experience China Thursday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.

This presentation is about life in contemporary China. The host will share stories from his visits there and share pictures from both the rural countryside and cities, showcasing cuisine and regular daily life. Participants will sample some authentic Chinese food and learn how to use chopsticks. Advance registration is required, and there is a $5 fee to ensure adequate supplies.

Our Time Memory Cafe Call for dates 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 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. (offered live and virtual) 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.

The Hopkinton Trail Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC) and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers are needed to help with general trail maintenance throughout the year, and a specific trail will be selected each month for targeted maintenance.

Residents also are encouraged to inform these groups of maintenance issues observed on trails (downed trees, trails becoming overgrown, etc.) by emailing TCMCchair@hopkintonma.gov or hopkinton.trails.club@gmail. com. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Al-Anon weekly meetings Thursdays Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend a confidential Al-Anon meeting, which takes place every Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. at the meeting room in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (61 Wood Street). For more information, visit al-anon.org or call 888-4AL-ANON.

Event Calendar Sponsored by

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS HCA Members Show & Reception Dec. 17, 2021–Jan. 28, 2022 The HCA is excited for our annual members art exhibition opening December 17 in the Lotvin Family Gallery.

Over 35 pieces of original art will be on display. Join us for an artist reception Jan. 14 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. The public is welcome.

Secret Art & Wine Workshop Jan. 21 | 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Whether you are looking for a girls’ night out or a date night with your partner, unwind from your week and indulge in some relaxing and fun art! This is not your traditional “paint night” where everyone paints the same picture.

Instead, our instructor will guide you through a freestyle art project where you’ll be able to add your unique touches. The secret is that you don’t know what you’ll be creating until you arrive.

All materials (including a glass of wine and snacks) will be provided. Must be 21 years of age or older.

Winter BluesFest Jan. 22 | 7:00–11:00 p.m.

In the spirit of HeatherFest, HCA is excited to bring four amazing bands together for the Winter Bluesfest 2022!

Coming to our stage is the Chris Fitz Band, the Racky Thomas Band, Ken Clark Organ Trio, and Sonya Rae and Ryan Taylor. Get ready for a night of extraordinary music and talent. Wine and beer will available for purchase.

Masks and proof of vaccination will be required.

Matilda Jr. The Musical Jan. 28, 29, 30 | Hop. Middle School Rebellion is nigh in Matilda Jr. The Musical, a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Directed by Mary Scarlata Rowe and featuring 70 local youth actors.

Your Regional Art Center | Tickets & Details at HopArtsCenter.org

HopkintonIndependent.com

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Health Department to move away from COVID contact tracing COVID | from page 1

McAuliffe said.

It also would relieve some of the strain on the Health Department, which is struggling to keep up with the amount of cases in town.

“I feel like the focus needs to be on putting it back on the population,” Public Health Nurse Simone Carter said. “We’re into this [pandemic] two years, we’re vaccinated, we know to wear masks, we know that this isn’t going to change. If anything, it’s going to become like the cold or flu or anything else. It’s not going away. But the difference is, last year at this time people were still in the hospital. This year, at this time, that has not been the case yet.

“I feel like using our time to track and trace every single case at this point, given what is at our folks’ disposal, is a misuse of time. I think we should be running vaccination clinics, just looking toward health maintenance. But to continue to track and trace every single case is counterproductive at this point.”

Added Carter: “It’s not the death and destruction of 18 months ago.”

McAuliffe added that testing labs are so backed up that by the time many individuals receive results, they already are at the point when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends they can stop isolating (five days from first symptoms).

“It’s taking three, five, eight days to turn around samples,” he said.

“There’s no point in doing trace-back on a sample that’s that old.”

Carter said Hopkinton is one of the few communities that still tries to track and trace all cases, as other towns “can’t handle it,” so they instead are focusing only on children or vulnerable individuals.

I feel like using our time to track and trace every single case at this point, given what is at our folks’ disposal, is a misuse of time. I think we should be running vaccination clinics, just looking toward health maintenance.

— Public Health Nurse Simone Carter “It makes more sense to spend your time offering boosters, doing something active,” she said. “From my standpoint as a public health nurse that would be where I would think my time would be best spent.”

Residents who test positive still would be contacted by the Health Department and provided the most up-to-date guidance. But the Health Department would spend far less time on each case.

The change comes at a time when Hopkinton is dealing with its highest caseload since the pandemic began.

“We’re in a surge that I don’t believe we’ve seen in this community,” McAuliffe told the board. “Our 14day positivity rate is currently at 9.24 [percent of those tested]. I believe the highest rate we had seen a year ago was about 6. So this is significantly higher than we had experienced prevaccine.”

McAuliffe said the town had been experiencing about two cases per day prior to this surge. In October there were 228 cases, with 55 percent between the ages of 3-19. In November there were 349 cases, with 56 percent between 3-19. Then in December the number of positive cases jumped to

683, with 291 cases between 3-19 — and McAuliffe noted that did not include more than 100 positive home tests that were completed by residents, primarily on children, and not entered into the state’s system.

“I believe we calculated it to be about 7.2 percent of the population of Hopkinton has contracted COVID over this three-month period,” McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe said that the Delta AY variant was detected in town around the second week of November.

“That variant is known to elude monoclonal treatment,” McAuliffe said. “It does a good job of eluding initial vaccination. It basically gets into people’s systems, starts an infection, people start experiencing symptoms, then the body between the vaccinations is able to mount a good response.

We’re seeing this variant kind of sweep through the community. The good thing is we are highly vaccinated and we are seeing few severe cases.”

An Omicron case was noted in the most recent data from the state, McAuliffe said, and the DPH indicated it spreads between 2.7 and 3.7 times the rate of the Delta variant.

“Through the variant data that I

ONLY OUR NAME IS CHANGING

INTRODUCING

previously Baystate Audiology

Assisting the Affluent With Key Financial Concerns • Investment Consulting • Wealth Enhancement • Wealth Transfer • Wealth Protection • Charitable giving

SAME GREAT SERVICE • SAME GREAT LOCATION

Schedule your evaluation today!

Darcy Repucci, MS, CCC-A Licensed Audiologist

508.936.3277 1 Lumber Street, Hopkinton

HopkintonAudiology.com

Investable Assets: $1,000,000+

508-435-1281

www.blackstonevalleywealth.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group and Blackstone Valley Wealth Management, LLC. are separate entities from LPL Financial.

HopkintonIndependent.com

looked at [Jan. 3], we have one case of Omicron,” he said. “However, I can see through [the Jan. 3] Maven [the state’s COVID management platform] data that a second person in the household has tested positive for COVID, so I’m assuming that they also have Omicron. And then Omicron is highly contagious and it’s spreading for all intents and purposes logarithmically in the communities that it has been into.”

While the caseload has risen, the severity of illnesses has dropped. In fact, Carter said there are no reports of residents currently in the hospital due to COVID. “It’s a lot of school-age kids, and a lot of households haven’t started to see it yet in the older folks so much, maybe just a few,” Carter said. “Those that have reported to me … they’re under the weather for like 5-8 days, but they’re not at this point in the hospital.”

Added McAuliffe: “Between Omicron and this Delta variant that we’re seeing, the cases aren’t severe, however, the number of cases is causing severe disruption to day-to-day activities in the school, in people’s businesses. We’re trying to avoid any disruption in our public safety departments.”

There has been some confusion regarding the latest guidance from federal and state officials.

“The CDC released their recommendation for a five-day isolation — you have a five-day isolation and then if your symptoms are improving, you’re free of fever, you have five additional days wearing a face covering — tightly or snugly fitting face covering,” McAuliffe explained.

“Now, when they posted that, what’s caused confusion especially in Hopkinton and some of the other surrounding communities, is that they also updated the K-12 regulation. That K-12 regulation mirrors everything that we’ve been doing in the past. It’s the standard 10-day isolation, and if you’re quarantined you have the option to test on Day 5, and if symptoms have improved and [you get] a negative test, you get released on Day 8.”

Adding to the confusion, the CDC on Jan. 5 changed the K-12 guideline to make it the same as for adults — five-day isolation and fiveday masking.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh announced Jan. 6 that Hopkinton Public Schools would follow the five/five guideline, but only with a negative rapid test in the nurse’s office on Day 6.

Board of Health Commissioner Lisa Whittemore highly recommended that all residents wear masks outside of the home and stressed that people should avoid contact with others if they are showing any COVID symptoms.

“If you’re sick, stay home,” she said. “As a culture that’s something that we don’t do well.”

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 13

Planning Board approves Chamberlain-Whalen bond release

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he Planning Board at its meeting Jan. 3 approved the bond release for the Chamberlain-Whalen subdivision project after amending the amount due to a discussion about the number of street trees on the site.

Vice Chair Mary Larson-Marlowe chaired this portion of the meeting, as Chair Gary Trendel lives near the project. Kathi Sherry spoke on behalf of the applicant, REC Hopkinton, noting that most of the work has been completed on the infrastructure and roadway in preparation to it being sold to home builder Toll Brothers. Remaining work items include the installation of the top course on the sidewalk and the roadway, as well as the planting of trees. The overlay on the Chamberlain Street widening will need to be completed after Verizon moves the telephone poles.

Luckner Bayas, president of civil engineering firm Bay Associates, told the board he adjusted some of the numbers previously submitted to the Planning Board to account “for items not included in the developer’s estimate,” including an increase in the amount of money for the cleaning of drains and the pond. The main item that increased, which caused some discussion, was the allocation for the number of trees to be planted.

Bayas said that the state standard calls for the trees on both sides of the street to be placed 40 feet apart. The original estimate called for trees on one side of the road, he explained, causing “a big difference in value.”

The original estimate was for $36,400, while Bayas’s proposed change came to $72,800.

Sherry clarified that the original approved landscape plan had 143 street trees between Whalen Road and Chamberlain Street, with 91 on Chamberlain and the remainder on Whalen.

“I did not go by the landscape plan,” Bayas said. “I went by the subdivision rules and regulations indicated, which indicate that trees must be planted 40 feet apart on both sides of the road.”

Town Principal Planner John Gelcich explained that the plantings must be done in accordance with the approved plan.

“We’re not redesigning the subdivision plan to conform to the subdivision standards because it was approved otherwise,” he said.

The proposed trails and boardwalks on the site were to be completed by the end of the day last Tuesday, according to developer Paul Mastroianni.

The bond was approved for $425,592 in an 8-0 vote.

At the next meeting on Jan. 31, there will be a vote on the 27 lots being released to Toll Brothers.

Traffic calming measures for Chamberlain-Whalen provoke debate Another topic addressed in relation to the project was the $10,000 bond allocated for traffic calming measures on Chamberlain Street.

“We cannot and do not expect this funding to solve all previous and new traffic issues on Chamberlain Street,” Larson-Marlowe stressed. She recommended that the money be distributed to the DPW with the stipulation that it go toward work where the Center Street Trail meets Chamberlain Street, as the department sees fit.

One recommendation was for a speed table, which is like a speed bump but with a longer, flatter hump in the middle.

Member Jane Moran asked how the town could “up the ante” for traffic calming, such as creating a center line or side fog lines.

“The new development has highlighted the issue,” Larson-Marlowe explained, noting it is not under the purview of the Planning Board. “It has not caused the traffic problem.”

Moran noted that the DPW previously cut the budget for fog lines and center lines for side roads, so she did not know how to pursue this issue.

She said she would like to see some of the allocation going toward the center and fog lines.

Larson-Marlowe noted that one speed table costs $10,000. Anything else proposed would have to involve “a separate step.” She added that in a previous discussion with residents, signs were discussed. However, DPW and safety officials have said that speed tables are the most effective way to calm traffic.

Member Dave Paul made a motion that the money be allocated for a speed table specifically for that intersection, which was seconded. However, discussion ensued, and the motion was amended.

Moran protested the use of the

speed table or speed bumps because, in her experience, they do not curtail speeding but cause noise as trucks drive over them. She preferred “noninvasive measures” such as signs.

Larson Marlowe and member Sundar Sivaraman said the motion should be worded in a way to “leave the decision to the experts” at the DPW. The measure, approved 7-1, eventually specified that location but did not specify the measure to be used to calm traffic.

Zoning articles unanimously approved for ATM warrant The board unanimously approved five proposed articles to be added to the warrant for the May 2 Annual Town Meeting. Trendel added that the recommendations proposed by the Zoning Advisory Committee would be voted on basically as placeholders on the warrant, and that public hearings would be held to explain them and receive feedback.

The first is a dimensional table to make zoning information easier to reference. The second article contains grammatical corrections, changing all

KD

the uses to singular. The third article indicates that there should be one principal use per dwelling rather than per lot for single-family homes. It also defines what a principal use is.

The fourth creates a parking ratio for laboratory research facilities.

Research and development parking restrictions were separated from general office requirements because they were believed to require fewer spaces. Spaces for warehouse use were changed from one space per 1,000 feet of gross floor area to one space per 2,000 feet of gross floor area.

The fifth article proposes to use gender-neutral terms, such as by changing chairman to chair.

Tennis and Swim Club gets extension Gelcich said that the Hopkinton Tennis and Swim Club, which plans to construct a facility on Lumber Street, requested the extension of a site plan approval previously approved for work to begin in March 2020, which was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The permit is set to expire in March, so the extension was granted in a 9-0 vote because work could not be started due to the pandemic.

SOLD

1 Holt Street, Hopkinton

Listed at $1,399,900

Sold $1,450,000

Antiques Purchased

Multiple Offers Received!

Cleaning Out? Downsizing?

Looking to declutter?

Let me help you find value in your possessions.

Wanted: items of interest and curiosity - Free Housecalls - 7 Days a Week - Friendly Prompt Service Buying since 1984

Call Bert 617-733-8863 HopkintonIndependent.com

The SPRING MARKET will be here before you know it.

Call me today!

KATHY DRAGIN

Your #1 expert for all your real estate needs.

508-277-1566 dragincasa1@gmail.com

14 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Sports HHS athletes shatter indoor track records H

opkinton High School senior Kate Powers set a school record with a toss of 45 feet, 6 inches in the weight throw and won the event by more than 3 feet at the Dec. 27 SPORTS Massachusetts State Track Association HoliROUNDUP Coaches day Challenge at the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center in Boston.

Powers also took second place in

the shot put with a personal-best heave of 36-10.

Sean Golembiewski continued his record-setting season, running the 55-meter hurdles in a time of 7.66 seconds, breaking the record he set earlier in December.

Golembiewski finished second in the event. He also took second in the high jump (6-3).

Also at the meet, Katie Callery ran

Hillside School www.hillsideschool.net

Kate Powers shows off one of her medals from the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Holiday Challenge on Dec. 27.

All Boys Grades 4-9 Day and Boarding Marlborough, MA

Open for In Person Learning Small Classes / Differentiated Instruction Individual Attention / Structured and Supportive

Scan For More Information

Now Accepting Applications for the 21-22 School Year

(508) 303-5709

Whether you’re building or buying a new home, want to make improvements to your current home or looking to refinance, we have

the loan you need.

Our experts have been serving the financial needs of the community for over 150 years!

Call or email Dave for competitive rates for conventional and jumbo mortgages today!

Dave Sampson

VP, Mortgage Consultant David.Sampson@unibank.com 508.849.4323 • NMLS #688948

Connecting all offices: 1.800.578.4270 • www.unibank.com UniBank NMLS #583135 • Member FDIC/Member DIF

a personal-best time of 12 minutes, 6.51 seconds in the 2 mile, Elyse Srodawa took second in the freshman mile in 5:54.90, Bridgid Cavanaugh was seventh in the same event in 6:00.47, and Shelby Jones competed in the pentathlon, leaping 4-4 in the high jump and running 10.75 seconds in the hurdles in her first attempt at both events.

In dual meet competition, the boys started out 2-0 following a 63-32 victory over Norwood on Dec. 20. Winners for Hopkinton included Golembiewski (55 dash and 55 hurdles), Ben Scott (2 mile), Lex Kaye (1,000), Wyatt Ruff (mile), Colin Davan (600) and Jakai Bellafatto (long jump).

In the opening meet, an 85-15 rout of Medfield on Dec. 14, Golembiewski set two school records, in the 55 hurdles (7.70 seconds) and high jump (6 feet, 5 inches). Also winning events for Hopkinton were Russell Perryman (shot put), Kaye (2 mile), Scott (mile), Anshu Velur (600), Neil Abraham (55), Luke Boothroyd (300) and Ruff (1,000).

Girls track got the new year off to a running start with an 82-12 victory over Norwood on Jan. 3.

Sinead Herr (300), Grace Joy (mile), Steph Johnson (1,000) and Sowmya Karthikeyan (long jump) each won an individual event and then combined to win the 4×400 relay.

Other winners for Hopkinton included Powers (shot put), Srodawa (2 mile), Ellie Driscoll (55 hurdles), Emily Hayward (600) and Bridget O’Connor (high jump).

In its opener, the girls team fell 5045 to Medfield on Dec. 14. Powers won the shot put, while Driscoll (55 hurdles), Johnson (1,000) and Callery (2 mile) also took firsts.

Wrestling impresses early Many Hillers teams were forced to pause due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, and spectator limits were put in place temporarily by the Tri-Valley League. Among the cancellations was the wrestling team’s Coaches vs.

Cancer benefit match at Ashland on Dec. 22.

At the Milford Invitational on Dec. 18, the wrestling team took fourth place. Sebastian Losada was first in his weight class, while Adam Distasio, Stephen Moody and John Carlson took second in their weight classes.

In a dual meet Dec. 14, the Hillers topped Dedham, 48-4. Among the highlights was freshman Anthony Flores getting a pin in his first varsity match.

In a quad meet at Methuen on Dec. 11, the Hillers posted a 66-12 win over Boston Latin and a 36-12 decision over Lynnfield/North Reading but fell 43-36 to Methuen. Liam Kassab, Ben Stefanov, Jack Hoyt and Grigory Shvechkov won their first varsity matches, while James Muzzy, Alec Brookes, Josh Huang and Distasio recorded pins.

Boys basketball crushes Ashland The HHS boys basketball team returned from an 18-day break and looked to be in midseason form with a 59-31 rout of visiting Ashland on Jan. Sports Roundup | 15

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 15

HHS girls hockey co-op team embraces challenges

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

he road has not always been a smooth one so far for the DoverSherborn/Hopkinton girls ice hockey co-op, but the team has been able to handle the challenges that have come its way with poise, much to the delight of coach Nick Grout.

The biggest challenge has been inexperience at the goalie position.

Just weeks before the season, there was no one in the program with any experience playing perhaps the most

Sports Roundup | from page 14

4. The Hillers led 34-8 at the half after closing the period on an 18-1 run and cruised home from there.

In its previous game, Hopkinton dropped a tough 80-76 overtime decision to host Norwood on Dec. 17. The Hillers had a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, saw it get away, then rallied to force OT on a Nate Kasper drive in the final seconds before coming up short in the extra period. Kasper led the Hillers with 35 points.

In their opener Dec. 14, the Hillers routed visiting Westborough, 79-45, led by 22 points from sophomore Sam Pantera and 16 from Kasper. …

The girls basketball team did not play its first game until Jan. 4, and the result was a 56-54 overtime loss to host Ashland. Kiki Fossbender scored 32 points in the losing effort.

important position on the ice. But Dover-Sherborn’s Diana Peña and Hopkinton’s Emma Champlin have been willing to give it a try. Peña primarily plays in games while Champlin has filled in in practice, Grout said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these two kids for taking the shots and getting in there and staying positive and still smiling,” Grout said. “They have 15 other kids in front of them working their tails off day in and day out, and they are doing everything they can to limit shots and help out their goalies.”

The team’s hard work seems to be

Swimmers make early splash Both HHS swim and dive teams lost to Holliston on Dec. 20. The boys fell 97-64. Tyler Fallon won the 50 free and Davis Peishoff took first in the 100 free.

The girls lost 105-69.

On Dec. 18, both HHS teams lost to Framingham. Peishoff won the 100 fly for the boys, who fell 85-49. Olivia Jaye won the 50 free for the girls, who dropped a 93-68 decision.

On Dec. 15, the boys opened their season with a dramatic 85-82 victory over Ashland, with the HHS relay team of Fallon, Shawn Haley, Lucas Coffman and Peishoff winning the final race to ensure victory. The girls fell to Ashland 97-79 despite the strong efforts by divers Tess and Eve Weatherhead.

These girls have been amazing. They show up ready to work hard every day.

— Coach Nick Grout

paying off. After a couple of lopsided losses to begin the season, the team more than doubled Leominster’s shot total in a tight 3-2 loss. Grout said he is looking forward to the second half of the season and the chance to play some of these opponents a second time.

“We are improving day after day,” he said.

The team also is getting healthier.

Hopkinton juniors Kaley Merkle and Hailey Cox are both back on defense after missing time due to injuries, Grout said.

“They are going to be huge players to have back,” he said. “They both looked great in their first games back from injury.”

Senior captain Morgan Fraser, another HHS student, has provided a spark on offense with four goals heading into the new year.

“She has come a long way,” Grout said. “I coached her during her freshman year and she is a completely different player than what she used to be. She is seeing the ice at least 50 percent of the time during games.”

The squad also has relied on

Hopkinton junior Gillian Wenrich, who saw increased ice time while her classmates were sidelined.

“She has played a lot more than she had the past couple of seasons,” Grout said. “She is doing a great job holding down the fort on the back end.”

Grout is back at the helm after a two-year hiatus. He coached the program for nine seasons prior to stepping aside. He said this team “has way more depth and talent than any team I have had in the past.” Getting the goalie position shored up will make a big difference during the second half of the year, he added.

“We’ve always had a team that has 50 percent of our players learning to skate and, by senior year, you hope to have them on the ice for a full shift,” he said. “These girls have been amazing. They show up ready to work hard every day.”

Emblematic of the team’s attitude is Peña, the goalie.

“She always has a smile on her face,” Grout said. “She tells me she’s having fun, and that’s the ultimate thing.”

Recognized as a National Healthcare Leader

7 Consecutive Safety Awards

Milford Regional has just been awarded the country’s top grade for hospital safety for an unprecedented seventh time in a row!

Our commitment to quality care is stronger than ever with our team of exceptional nurses, physicians and hospital staff all dedicated to delivering the very best healthcare every day. We are honored to once again be recognized as a national healthcare leader with Leapfrog’s Grade “A” for safety.

14 Prospect Street • Milford, MA • milfordregional.org For details, visit The Leapfrog Group at www.hospitalsafetygrade.org

HopkintonIndependent.com

16 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Hillers boys hockey shows poise amid disruption

CENTERPOINT DRIVING ACADEMY

Milford • 508-217-4447

Top Rated Driving School with 81+ Five★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Ratings on Google Only School to Use Newer SUV’s – 50% Safer Than Sedans 91% of Students Earn License First Time ★ No Hassle Scheduling On Line ★ Free One of a Kind Life Skills Class – Parents Can Come Too – Trademark Pending

★ Safety is #1 with CDA – we have installed plastic partitions to separate students and instructor

Register at www.centerpointdrivingacademy.com

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

WE ARE YOUR RELIABLE INSURANCE NEIGHBOR

Goalie Jack Lang makes a save during a game against Medfield on Dec. 15.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

Wishing you and yours a safe and healthy new year!

O

ur family-owned and operated independent agency offers only competitively priced and time-tested insurance products designed to fit your individual needs. Specializing in home, auto, business, condo and renters insurance since our establishment in 1950, our agency is deeply rooted in the communities we serve and committed to providing the very best of value for your hard-earned dollars. Whether new to the area or a lifelong resident you will benefit from the sound advice provided by our professional service advisers.

Work with people you can trust: Letty, Brian, Julie, Mike and Amy. Not pictured: Nicole.

Contact us today!

(508) 435-6388 80 Main Street, Hopkinton www.PhippsInsurance.com

HOME • CONDO • RENTER • AUTO • BUSINESS

We have a team that is dedicated to playing hard.

They don’t back down and they don’t quit.

he Hopkinton High School boys ice hockey team was starting to come together when the season was upended by issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, but first-year coach ­— Coach Scott Hayes Scott Hayes has been impressed with the way his squad has dealt with the curveballs thrown its way.

“We started off well and everything was going great and then we had a partial shutdown and had to deal with COVID, so we are slowly coming back from that,” Hayes said in early January. “But the kids have handled it great. We are getting healthy now and starting to get a full squad.”

The pause forced Hopkinton to cancel a scheduled appearance in a winter tournament and postpone its league game against Holliston. But Hayes said it has not impacted the team’s work ethic.

“I think the team is doing an incredible job with everything they have had to deal with,” Hayes said. “They have been sharp, they’ve paid attention to detail and they’ve done everything we have asked them to do to make a smooth transition back onto the ice.”

The Hillers dropped games to Norwell, Medfield and Norwood to start the year, three strong opponents right out of the gate.

“I thought the kids answered the challenge,” Hayes said. “We felt like we were right there in the Norwell and Norwood games and we took Medfield to overtime.”

“We are close,” he added.

Junior captain Joey Carrazza has been one of the Hillers’ mainstays at the center position, and Hayes described his play as “fantastic.” He’s taken on a leadership role along with fellow captains Manoli Barris and Michael Berman, both seniors.

“The three of them form an awesome leadership team and they have done a great job,” the coach said.

Goalie Jack Lang put together strong performances in the team’s first few games of the year.

“We have a team that is dedicated to playing hard,” Hayes said. “They don’t back down and they don’t quit.”

As the roster rounds into form and gets healthier, Hayes said he and the coaching staff have identified some areas where they hope to see improvement.

He wants to generate more scoring opportunities and be more consistent on defense when the puck is on that end of the ice, he said.

The top goal in the short term is to make the playoffs in the new statewide format that eschews a traditional win-loss record as the only criteria in favor of factoring in strength of schedule, which figures to benefit Hopkinton in the tough Tri-Valley League. But Hayes said it’s also important to set some longer-term goals, especially since it’s his first season at the helm.

“We want to establish a foundation where the players understand what is expected of them and understand the vision for how our team plays,” he said. “If we can get that done in year one, that would be a huge goal for us and a huge win.”

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 17

Schools School Committee addresses spike in COVID cases, absenteeism

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer The School Committee held its Jan. 6 meeting virtually due to the town’s spike in COVID-19 cases, which has led to increased absenteeism in school both from cases and parents’ fear that their children could contract the disease.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh reported that as of 9 a.m. the previous day, 49 Hopkinton High School students (out of 1,200 total students in the building) were active COVID-19 cases, along with five staff members. At the middle school, 47 students (out of 900) had COVID-19, in addition to 10 staff members.

At the elementary level, Hopkins had 26 students (out of 600) with coronavirus, with six staff members also testing positive. Similar numbers appeared at the other schools, with 25 Elmwood students (out of 600) positive, in addition to six staff members. At Marathon, 20 students out of 600 were positive, as well as 10 staff members.

“So I think what you’re seeing here is at the elementary level is that there’s some kind of consistency here,” the superintendent said. “At the secondary levels, there’s also a kind of consistency.”

However, the student absenteeism rate showed a sharp spike at all schools due to parental concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant. More than 10 percent of the high school students were absent on Jan. 3 and Jan. 5. At the middle school, 145 and 147 students, respectively, were absent.

Eighty-nine students missed classes at the Hopkins on Jan. 3, while 73 were absent on Jan. 5. Elmwood had absentee numbers of 117 and 113. Marathon’s numbers were 118 and 102 for those two days.

The numbers most disconcerting to the superintendent, she said, were at Elmwood and Marathon, where more than 100 students were absent.

“These numbers are a little bit alarming,” she said. “I know that parents are a little bit leery of sending their children to school when the Omicron variant seems to be highly contagious.”

Her goal is to keep the schools open, noting that the students who are contracting coronavirus are mainly experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms.

She noted that the rapid antigen test has a low sensitivity, so if a person has a positive antigen test, it means that the person is infectious. However, with a rapid PCR test, a positive result means that there is a level of the virus in the person’s body.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), preliminary data shows that the Omicron variant is three times more infectious than the Delta variant. A person generally does not contract symptoms until three days after exposure and remains able to transmit the virus “for a full 10 days after they develop symptoms, even if they are feeling better.”

For this reason, she advocated for continued mask use in school buildings.

Because of new CDC guidelines (updated Jan. 4), if a person is symptom free, does not have a fever, and wears a well-fitting mask, they can return to school after five days of isolation. However, some of the

students have been wearing masks under their noses, which causes problems.

Although the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) doesn’t recommend testing before returning to school, the superintendent said it is important now “because of so many potentially positive kids.”

Tests were be administered in the schools this past Monday for anyone who has reached Day 6.

Another policy change is in the definition of contact tracing. It has been streamlined as of this past Monday to categorize students who have been in the same classroom as a positive student. This will cut down on the number of admin-

istrators who have had to contact parents until late in the evening about what had been deemed close contacts.

Chair Nancy Cavanaugh said she approved of the testing policy at this time.

Member Amanda Fargiano added that the “extra step” was a good idea because of the number of students who have received their booster shots is “relatively low.”

Because of the circumstances, the committee did not debate a return to the mask-optional policy but intends to bring it up when the infection rates decline.

Member Joe Markey indicated that the Board of Health asked to meet jointly to discuss COVID-19 policy and a shift to

focus on devoting resources to those most vulnerable to the virus. The chair agreed that the joint meeting was a good idea.

Member Lya Batlle-Rafferty noted that COVID-positive students could expose vulnerable people at home, recounting a personal experience in which someone expressed guilt about passing COVID to an elderly relative. She said she didn’t want students to be saddled with similar feelings.

“Their distress and their distraught was tremendous,” she said of the individual who exposed her father to the virus, adding: “The last thing that I want to see in any situation is a child left with that sort of regret.”

Your Regional Art Center

98 Hayden Rowe Street • Hopkinton • 508.435.9222 HopkintonIndependent.com

18 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Finance director: District has negative variance, but grants, credits forthcoming

A

t the Dec. 16 School Committee meeting, Finance Director Susan Rothermich explained that the district is running at a negative variance of $80,740 “that was payroll driven.” She said this tends to fluctuate throughout the year.

Most of the additional full-time employees hired were covered by grants, Rothermich noted.

Another change was in the special education budget. Out-of-district tuition has SCHOOLS increased by almost $700,000. The increase NOTEBOOK will be covered by grants and circuit breaker funding.

The transportation budget for special education will go down because the bus company cannot find drivers for some of the runs, so a credit will be forthcoming. This credit will offset the negative variance.

Elmwood moves into feasibility period Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh announced Dec. 16 that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) invited the Elmwood School project to move from its eligibility period into the feasibility period.

A request for service for an owner’s project manager will be drafted and submitted to the MSBA. The district has expressed an interest in replacing the aging Elmwood School. …

Hopkinton High School English teacher Benjamin Lally was appointed to serve as a member of the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English. Lally’s three-year term began Nov. 21. …

The Hopkinton Public Schools Nutrition Department requested that parents/guardians pack lunches for students for the first two weeks in January if possible. The department is facing staffing shortages, resulting in “too few employees to properly produce and serve hot meals for our students.”

A modified menu was made available. …

Cavanaugh emailed the schools community on Dec. 16 to address a widely shared post on the social media platform

TikTok that refers to a threat to school safety “for every school in the USA, even elementary,” on Dec. 17. “While we do not believe the threat to be credible, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously,” she wrote. No incidents were reported that day.

Community mourns Keefe Tech student Hopkinton High School principal Evan Bishop emailed the HHS community Dec. 23 to announce that a Keefe Tech student from Hopkinton had died.

Bishop did not share the student’s name, although it was later revealed to be 15-year-old John Quinones. In his obituary, Quinones was remembered as “an old soul who would give you the shirt off his back and was always willing to lend a hand.” Quinones enjoyed traveling, playing online games and spending time with his family.

“The Crisis Response Team convened … to put supports in place for students and staff,” Bishop wrote. “The loss of a student has a ripple effect on the school community. Every effort will be made to support our students as we deal with the grief and loss resulting from this tragedy.”

HHS Inventathon Jan. 23-29 The second annual Hopkinton High School Inventathon is scheduled for Jan. 23-29. Registration is due by Jan. 21. All HHS students of any skill/ ability are welcome. Winners advance to the Lemel-

Kitchens • Baths Additions • Remodels

508.341.1810

Insured & Licensed

Lic.# CS071977

RE/MAX Executive Realty congratulates award winner

Mena Youssif

McBride Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty would like to Mena Youssif on his award for Student of the Month.

Thecongratulate

Mena has had an extraordinary life so far. He and his family emigrated to Hopkinton at the beginning of his Junior year of high school. His English has become proficient in this short time, and he now has his US Social Security card! Mena’s teachers describe him as incredibly hard-working, optimistic, positive and polite.

Mena participates in the Vex robotics program, the Science Fair program and the Photography Club. His hobbies are photography and soccer.

Mena’s dream for the future is to be successful personally and professionally and be surrounded by the people he loves. He hopes to become a Civil Engineer and reach a point that no one has reached before in the structural field.

Congratulations, Mena!

Katie McBride Debbie Brosseau 508-277-9600 katie@mcbrideteam.com

The McBride Team

22 South Street, Suite 203 Hopkinton www.mcbrideteam.com

College honors: LaGoy earns Ph.D. Alice LaGoy, a 2010 graduate of Hopkinton High School, received her Ph.D. in rehabilitation science, sports medicine and nutrition last month from the University of Pittsburgh. LaGoy’s thesis was titled “Cruisin’ for a Snoozin’: The role of sleep in resilience to simulated military operational stress.” …

Amanda Gollaher earned the Dean’s Award with Distinction for the spring 2021 semester at Colgate University, where she is a senior. …

At the University of Vermont, Katherine Graham (majoring in Chinese), Dana Rafikova (neuroscience), Landon York (psychological science) and Madeleine Holden (English) were named to the dean’s list 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 official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

District’s special education costs surge

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

Mark Underdah Remodeling

son-MIT Massachusetts Invention Convention. …

The HHS alpine ski team is holding a coat drive in conjunction with Project Just Because. New and gently used jackets can be dropped off in the donation box in the HHS atrium through Jan. 17. For more information, email abarry@hillers.org. …

The HHS Key Club is holding an ongoing food and clothing drive. There is a donation box outside Room C207. Each donor will receive a raffle ticket, with new prizes every week.

A

t the Dec. 16 School Committee meeting, Karen Zaleski, the student services district director, noted that the special education enrollment is at 501 for Fiscal Year 2022, with 28 outof-district placements.

“The profiles of the students is what matters,” she said.

There has been a dramatic increase in individual tuition for out-of-district expenses for each program. The highest jump was for a program where the tuition jumped almost 114 percent to about $250,000. The Department of Education sets the pricing guide.

“This placement used to be 180-day [end of school year], but that program doesn’t do it anymore,” she explained, noting that it has a residential component year-round now. Only two of the programs are 180-day for the school year.

If students need one-to-one support or additional services such as for speech, the costs need to be absorbed by the district. Everything is based on the students’ individual needs.

The least-restrictive environment is the most preferred. However, if the students are not faring well, they may be sent to a public or private day placement, unless programs are available in house.

For example, a student with autism with a dual diagnosis and behavioral needs will need more extensive services. Hopkinton does have programs for students where they receive services outside of the classroom, such as speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy. Zaleski tries to build cohorts of students with similar needs, but if there are only one or two, out-of-district placement is considered.

“We’re faced with the decision do you put them in a sub-separate environment where the cohort doesn’t really match? Or do you place them out where they’re going to have peer interactions and they are going to be able to thrive?” Zaleski explained.

If she does create a cohort based on those students, she would have to do it for all levels

HopkintonIndependent.com

I think it’s helpful for us to have this conversation. I know that nationally now there is a movement for further inclusion and inclusive opportunities. ­— Meg Tyler School Committee member because they will need it as they transition through their academic studies.

“The dilemma in Hopkinton is because we transition every two years,” she explained. “I know this is a sore spot, but if we had K-6 or K-5 buildings, you could do this.”

“I think it’s helpful for us to have this conversation,” said Member Meg Tyler. “I know that nationally now there is a movement for further inclusion and inclusive opportunities.”

The goal for that, she explained, would be for 90 percent of students who have individual education plans to be integrated into the schools. Now, she said, Hopkinton is at about 60 percent.

“I worry about this continued segregation,” Tyler continued, “sending kids into an environment that is even more profoundly segregated.

Because separated is not equal. It’s not allowing them access to the many opportunities the public school provides.

“Segregating kids, even with complex disabilities, is very similar to segregating children because of their color or their background,” Tyler said. “And those kids have just as much a right to be in that public school classroom and have opportunities — all of the opportunities — that other kids have.”

Zaleski noted “it is a team decision,” made with input by the district, parents and often many providers including clinicians and social workers.

Special education | 19

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 19

Elementary school students learn math concepts through art

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

“A

picture is worth a thousand words” is an adage that explains myriad ideas that can enter people’s minds while looking at art.

Shelly Moran, the math coach for the Hopkinton Public Schools, has been figuring out creative ways to engage young learners in arithmetic concepts.

Recently, several students at Elmwood School created art projects that explored their knowledge of multiplying numbers.

“I think the teachers are thriving on the ability to have this flexibility to create interesting opportunities for the students,” Moran explained. “Although we have a curriculum, there are limited opportunities in the program for divergent thinking. The teachers want to make it fun, interesting and engaging for the kids — and relevant.”

She added that teachers, in addition to using the curriculum, “have a responsibility to make math come alive” for their pupils and to see its application in everyday life.

One of the projects was to have students create a series of buildings, using the windows to demonstrate their knowledge of numbers. They learned about the concepts of height and width.

Using different dimensions at an early age can lead to the later exploration of careers in architecture or engineering, Moran noted.

“You could see that the kids were having fun,” Moran said. “This is what you don’t get to see on a worksheet. You could see where some kids were more fluent with their facts, while others were learning. It actually could be used as an assessment tool.”

She noted that students are pointing out things they see in their daily lives that involve math, such as the price of gasoline rising.

Several Elmwood students in the classes of third-grade teachers Laura O’Malley and Kristin Conroy spoke to the Independent about their experiences via a Zoom interview.

“I find that when I integrate art into math lessons, student engagement increases and it gives them an opportunity to let their creativity shine,” O’Malley said as she introduced the students.

“My teacher taught multiplication facts in a really fun way by doing art, which is one of my favorite things,” Sireesha said. She especially enjoyed

the array cities, where she could add as many windows as she wanted to show her knowledge.

“It’s really fun because it’s combining two things that a lot of kids like together,” said Noelle.

“We make the projects because it’s combining fun and learning at the same time,” added Breyden. “We made our own cities and then made doors and windows.”

“We also did arrays with monsters,” Connor explained. “And then we used googly eyes to count.”

Mary made a monster with a pink and light pink pattern.

“I was trying to make a baby monster,” she said. She used one eye to explain that 1x1=1.

Willow added that her monster named Lulu had a pink body.

“She had really cool eyes,” she said.

“It was good to create art and be learning at the same time.”

“I did a monster that had five eyes,” said Olivia. She also included a column with the number 6 to demonstrate 6x5=30.

“I really like my array city,” Varoon added. “I had Gillette Stadium and the Empire State Building. I thought we were just going to do math, but we were able to have art.”

“I just love how you can have fun and use math at the same time,” Katelyn said as she described her monster project.

Charlie also liked the monster project.

“The monsters got to look silly because we could add on a lot of eyes,” he said. “Once you put the eyes on, you can keep on adding and make a bigger array.”

District’s special education costs surge Special education | from page 18

She noted that seven students have returned this year, and the goal is to get students to where they can integrate back into the schools.

The superintendent pointed out that not all of the parents choose inclusion as the best means of education for their children.

Zaleski also clarified that the outof-district students “are our students,” and they can participate in extracurricular activities with the permission of the team members, and support can be provided.

“We do care deeply,” she continued. “Our goal is to bring them back and to bring them back safely.”

School Committee Chair Nancy Cavanaugh asked if space was a factor and should be taken into consideration as plans for school building and modification come up. Zaleski confirmed that and noted that there will also be impacts on staff and funding. This could be taken into account when planning the proposed new Elmwood School building, she noted.

Tyler called the placing out-ofdistrict policy “de facto segregation.”

“You’re placing them into environments where they’re not around all their peers,” she explained.

Tyler added that there is not enough state and federal funding support for students who have these needs.

Elmwood School students have been using math skills in creative ways.

New Year, New

home

Proud sponsor of

HopkintonIndependent.com

If you are interviewing Real Estate Agents why not add a Real Estate Broker to your list. Call me to learn the difference between an agent and a broker.

Contact John at Fitzgerald Real Estate when looking to sell or buy your home.

(508) 245-4334 508fitz.com

508fitz@gmail.com

20 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Obituaries Andre Rubert Our beloved son, grandson, brother and friend, Andre Cassiano Rubert, died unexpectedly at the age of 20 on Jan. 1.

Born in Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, he was the cherished son of Danielle Cassiano Fitts and her husband, Tim Fitts, of Framingham and Wilson Rubert of Brazil.

Andre attended Framingham schools and graduated from Keefe Technical High School in 2020. Following graduation, he began work with D.C. Electric in Hopkinton, where he enjoyed learning the trade and looked forward to becoming a journeyman electrician one day.

Andre’s good attitude and likable personality helped make him the man he was.

He enjoyed being with his group of close friends and family, gathering frequently at his home in Framingham.

But most of all, Andre shared a special bond with his 5-year-old little brother, TJ. Andre enjoyed playing with him, picking him up and twirling him around or jumping out of a dark doorway to spook him. Their play gave their mother endless joy with an occasional “Andre careful please!” mixed in.

Andre, you are in our hearts forever. We love you forever.

Besides his beloved parents and brother, Timothy N. Fitts Jr., he is survived by his grandparents, Sandra and Geoffrey Fitts of Sarasota, Florida, and Ivair e Irineu Cassiano of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

A private burial will take place a later date. Services are under the care of the Norton Funeral Home, Framingham.

Expressions of sympathy in Andre’s memory may be made to the 200 Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 728, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Catherine O’Connell Catherine Ann (Kitty) O’Connell, 96, formerly of Hopkinton, was taken

by the hand of Jesus to greet her family in heaven on Dec. 21. She passed away peacefully after a faithfilled life of humility and kindness to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. She was raised and lived in Hopkinton for her first 39 years in the company of many family members and friends. She married William F. (Bill) O’Connell in 1948 at St. John the Evangelist Church, and they were happily married for 54 years until Bill‘s passing in 2002. She was a full-time mom, raising five boys and one daughter.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Dick (Janet) O’Connell, Jack (Patty) O’Connell, Mark O’Connell, Bill (Beatrice) O’Connell, Ellen (Jim) Kane and Paul (Terri) O’Connell, and her grandchildren, Kevin (Rachel) O’Connell, Patrick O’Connell, Amanda (Justin) Pierce, Katie (Humberto) Garcia O’Connell, Brian (Nicole) Kane, Maureen (Brian) Tavis, Tim (Carly) Kane, Liam O’Connell, Audrey O’Connell and Dillon O’Connell, her great-grandchildren, Savanah Garcia O’Connell, Autumn O’Connell, Ronan Tavis and baby Tavis due in January, and her dear sister, Louise Mayer, also of Hopkinton. She loved being with family and friends, playing pitch and bid euchre, volunteering at the local hospital while in Illinois and playing bocce ball with neighbors while in Florida.

A funeral Mass took place Jan. 5 in St. John the Evangelist Church, followed by burial in St. John’s Cemetery.

Services were under the care of the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or stjohnhopkinton.com.

Elissa Katz Elissa F. Katz, 72, of Hopkinton passed away Dec. 21. Born in Albany, New York, she was the daughter of the late Ruth Sokol and David Feinman.

She was the wife of 50 years to Henry Katz.

Waste Removal and Recycling

Call us for all your waste removal and recycling needs E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc 800-321-3002 • www.elharvey.com

In addition to her husband, Elissa is survived by her three children, Lona Moxim, Lindsay Katz and S a s h a M u rphy, as well as her seven grandchildren, Dyllan, Payton and Blake Moxim, Kelsey and Austin LeBlanc, and Hannah and Jack Emmons.

She also is survived by her sisters, Pam Mazzone and Donna Wise, and her brother, Barry Feinman.

Funeral services were held privately for immediate family only and were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care at Tufts Medical Center (giving. tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give).

A letter from Elissa’s three daughters: “Our Mema was so loved, cherished and adored beyond words. She prioritized her family above all, and she was our biggest fan and greatest cheerleader. Her love was so powerful, even fierce! Despite us not being perfect, her arms were always open to welcome us home to feel her unconditional acceptance. She was a magnetic energy of radiating love, drawing everybody to come in and make it their home. Mema’s children, grandchildren and granddogs were number one and they all felt it. Even though you said, ‘We will miss you when you’re gone,’ you’ll forever be in our hearts. Dance.

Laugh. Smile. Love. Accept. Forgive.

Love You Beyond. xo”

Frederick Murphy Frederick Leo Murphy J r. , a l o n g time resident of Hopkinton, passed away Jan. 1 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. He was 77 years old and the devoted husband of 56 years to Judith (Hamilton) Murphy. Born in Natick on Feb. 25, 1944, he was the son of the late Frederick and Katherine (Moran) Murphy. He moved to Hopkinton at the age of 5.

A 1961 graduate of Hopkinton High, Fred was a standout athlete for the Hillers, excelling in football, basketball and baseball. He was student council president, Key Club president and class president while in high school. He was a player on the first Hopkinton Little League team. He held the record for the longest home run in Hopkinton High history. He was inducted into the Hopkinton High Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. Fred also was a member of the Milford Legion baseball team.

Following high school, Fred attended Dean Junior College in Franklin. He then enrolled at the University of Detroit, earning a B.A. in physical education in 1966. He was a member of the St. Francis Club of the University of Detroit. He later earned a master’s

HopkintonIndependent.com

degree from Northeastern University. Fred began his teaching career at Natick’s Kennedy Middle School before switching to Natick High School, where he spent the rest of his career before retiring in 2001. He was the undefeated badminton champion until his retirement.

Fred transitioned from coaching football, track and wrestling in Natick and Framingham to equipment manager at Natick High School so he could start watching his children participate in high school sports. Fred’s greatest love was his family. He was their No. 1 fan. He NEVER missed a game or scrimmage, traveling throughout the country to watch them compete in badminton, football, lacrosse, field hockey, basketball, baseball, softball, track, soccer, ice hockey, horseback riding, cross country, cheering and dance. You knew he was there, though not often seen, by the smell of his pipe.

Fred and Judy also enjoyed spending time with family at Lake Winnipesaukee, Ireland and Prince Edward Island.

In addition to his wife, Fred is survived by his children, Christopher Murphy, Kathleen Whittles, Jessica Jenkins and Sarah Smith (Greg). He also is survived by his grandchildren, who really loved their Papa: Jake, Ian, Madison (Robby), Isabella, Lindsay, Seth, Ava, Riley and Morgan. In addition, he leaves a brother, Timothy Murphy. He is predeceased by his brothers James and Edward and his sister Joanne Sparks.

During his many years in Hopkinton, Fred was a member of the Hopkinton School Committee, Marathon Fund Committee, Kiwanis Club, Laborers Union Local 609 and Hopkinton Little League and a member of the Hopkinton High Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 7 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Hopkinton, followed by burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s name may be made to the Hopkinton Marathon Fund Committee, 18 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

George Campbell George Theodore “Ted” Campbell passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his children on Dec. 5 at the age of 86. Ted was born Nov.15, 1935, the only child of Edward Campbell and Eleanor Prosser Campbell. He grew up in Fayville and graduated from Peter’s High School in 1953. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Collette Campbell, and his granddaughter, Chloe Campbell.

Ted and Betty were married on April 21, 1963, in The First United Methodist Church in Hudson. Together

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 21 they raised their three children in Hopkinton. In their retirement years, Ted and Betty moved to Carver, where they enjoyed bird watching, dining out at seafood restaurants, watching boats in the Cape Cod canal, and driving the Miata sports car with the top down.

Ted had a variety of jobs over the years. He drove a candy truck, was a land surveyor, co-owned a typewriter repair business, and was a computer services technician at Framingham State College. Ted was a Mason and was master of the St. Bernard’s Lodge in Southborough in 1963. He played sports throughout his life, including basketball, baseball, softball, ice hockey and golf. He also was an ice hockey referee for local youth and adult games.

An avid fly fisherman, Ted enjoyed spending time wading or boating through New England waters. He was an active member of the Appalachian Mountain Club for many years. He participated in camping, white water kayaking and canoeing trips with other club members as well as his sons.

Ted was a wise old soul and could talk at length on pretty nearly any topic.

He knew a thing or two about history, electricity, plumbing, woodworking, weather, auto mechanics and more.

He was known for his playful humor, and he never missed an opportunity to present the most terrible of puns.

Ted befriended local wildlife and domestic animals alike. Ted and Betty even raised an orphaned baby raccoon named Poncho. Some of Ted’s favorite stories to tell involved tales of Poncho’s intelligence and mischief.

Ted is survived by son Edward Campbell and wife Michelle, son William Campbell and former wife Kristin Wappel Campbell, daughter Heather Thomas and husband Robert Thomas, and granddaughters Rosie, Maggie and Amy. He also leaves behind many cousins who were his best, lifelong friends. Ted cherished his relationships with his family, and he will be greatly missed.

A visitation and celebration of Ted’s life was held Dec. 11 at the Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home, Hudson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mass Audubon (massaudubon.org) in Ted’s memory.

George Seile George “Frank” Francis Seile Jr., 76, of Grafton and formerly Hopkinton, passed away Dec. 16 at S a i n t Vi n cent Hospital in Worcester due to complications from COVID-19. Born in Dover Foxcroft, Maine, he was the son of the late Louise Evelyn Nickerson and George Francis Seile Sr. and husband of Paulette Harden Seile.

George graduated from Hopkinton High School before joining the Air Force in 1965. He served for four years as a staff sergeant aircraft mechanic, including tours of duty in Vietnam and at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas. After leaving the service, he received training at Pratt and Whitney in Hartford, Connecticut, and worked at High Lawn Farms in Lee before joining Bay State Abrasives in Westborough, where he worked as maintenance supervisor until it closed in 2003.

In later years, he worked as an HVAC technician and for Sears. His family will remember him as kind, compassionate, generous, strong and hardworking.

George was a loving father to Shon (Jennifer) Seile of Washington, D.C., Shannon Seile of Medway, Keith (Shelley) Standring of Kathleen, Georgia, and Tammy (Ted) Kalinowski of Grafton; grandfather to Matt Batchelder and Amanda Kalinowski; devoted brother “Frank” to Anita (Rafael) SeileSegura and Wanda (Alan) Rogala; and uncle to Josh (Amanda) Seile and Jaimie Norris. George also is survived by his former wife, Beverly Gedutis of Hopkinton.

Services were to be determined at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Janet Baker Janet Marie Baker, 72, of Hopkinton passed away Dec. 15 at her home surrounded b y f a m i l y.

She was the daughter of Edith Buttlar and wife of David Earl Baker, who died in 2013.

She was a graduate of Dedham High School, Class of 1967. Janet spent many years as an advocate for special needs children and went on to become

a dispatcher and driver for Accept Transportation Services.

Janet Baker is survived by her three children, Melissa Baker of Bellingham, Jennifer Canning and husband Christopher of Ashland, and David Scott Baker and wife Jennifer of Norton; 15 grandchildren, Stephen, Kylie, Derrick, Nicholas, Kayla, Andrew, Jared, Emma, Jordyn, Jaelee, Jessa, Julya and Daniel; one great-grandchild, Liam; and siblings John Buttlar Jr., Joanne Utrera, Claire Constantino, Doris Connolly, Ruth Anne Shea and Robert Buttlar. She was the grandmother of the late Shawn Canning.

A funeral service was held Dec. 21 in Christ Lutheran Church, Natick, followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery in Natick. Services were under the care of the Matarese Funeral Home, Ashland.

Janet Smith J a n e t (Parker) Smith, 89, formerly of Hopkinton and Harvard, passed away peacefully on Dec. 3.

Born in Medford, Janet grew up in Wellesley with her parents, Frank and Virginia Parker. She graduated from Wellesley High School in 1950. Janet was a lover of seafood (lobster most of all!) and beaches, and growing up she enjoyed her parents’ cottage in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. She took

many trips to that part of Maine as an adult with her own family. While living in Wellesley, she graduated from Lasell Junior College and went on to hold administrative roles with several companies, including Raytheon, where she met her husband, Carlton.

While a Harvard resident, Janet was a member of the Republican Town Committee and volunteered with the Girl Scouts. Janet was crazy about cats and also loved going antiquing. She was an avid reader, always involved with a stack of books. She also greatly enjoyed her time working for the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at Bentley College.

Janet was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carlton Smith, in 2018. Together they shared a love of animals, books, skiing, the Red Sox and the ocean, and they made many memorable trips together to Maine, Hawaii and Cape Cod. Janet was a devoted mother to, and is survived by, their son, H. Scott Smith of Boston, and daughter, Brett Smith.

Janet was a warm, loving person, always having a friendly demeanor and positive outlook. Her smile and sense of humor brightened everyone’s day.

Janet will be greatly missed by friends and loved ones.

Services were private.

John Quinones John Alexander Quinones, born Aug. 29, 2006, in Framingham and a student at Keefe Tech, was raised by both his parents and stepparents, Jessica Keenan, Ernie Quinones, Kevin Keenan and Tina Bettuelli. He was perObituaries | 22

PLUMBING • AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING Residential and Commercial

JOYCE FRtimEateEs

Es d& Licensreed Insu

508-497-6344

joyceplumbingandheating.com

THE NEW GENERATION OF HOME SERVICE REPAIRS

Handyman Services

ENJOY PEACE OF MIND WITH FIX IT!

5-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL REPAIRS

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist

Office: 508-305-2055 www .FIXIT-ASAP.com

Insured coverage up to $1 Million. Licensed - MA-CSL #104953 / MA-HIC #169636

ASHLAND MOTORS

UPPWASH UNDERPRESSUREWASH

Integrity. Reliability. Customer Service.

Foreign & Domestic Cars Complete Repair Service Specializing on Volvo

GUTTER CLEANING

HOUSE WASHING

Spruce up your home home for the holiday new year. season.

508-435-7776

Master Technician – Dean James

84 Wood Street, Hopkinton HopkintonIndependent.com

- House Washing - Roof Washing - Gutter Cleaning - Window Cleaning

- Maintenance plans available - Fence Cleaning - Patios & Decks - Ask us about our - Walkways & Stairs Neighborhood Discount - Solar Panel Washing Program

SCHEDULE YOUR QUOTE ONLINE AT UNDERPRESSUREWASH.COM OR CALL US AT 508.944.6644

22 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 Obituaries | from page 21

fect. He was and always will be immensely treasured.

On Dec. 23, John passed away unexpectedly. John was an old soul who would give you the shirt off his back and was always willing to lend a hand. He loved his dog, Annie, beyond belief and never met an animal he wouldn’t rescue. Never one to turn down an adventure, he would jump at the chance to go shooting or dirt bike riding with his dad and stepmom, mountain biking with his stepdad or traveling with his mom. John’s love of family was immense, spending summers with grandparents Barbara and John Beatty in New York, and traveling to North Carolina for Thanksgiving to visit with aunts Joanna Beatty and Debbie Reinhartsen and cousins Lauren and Karl Reinhartsen. He thought the world of his brother, David, and loved nothing more than weightlifting together with him.

In John’s 15 years, he traveled across the ocean to Hawaii numerous times. He also spent time in Canada and Europe as well as within the continental United States. He loved visiting with his family in California and exploring the world. When not traveling, he enjoyed playing online games and making connections among the community of players. He also was a sucker for requests to play Nintendo or games at dinner with his sister, Makayla.

His smile could light up a room with just one glance, and was the yin to his mom’s yang.

John will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Jessica Keenan, father, Ernie Quinones, stepfather, Kevin Keenan, stepmother, Tina Bettuelli, brother, David Quinones, and sister, Makayla Keenan. He also leaves his beloved dog, Annie, as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

“You never said, ‘I’m leaving,’ you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed

you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” — Author unknown Visitation for John was held Jan. 1 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, 110 West Main Street, Freehold, New Jersey, 07728 (sptsusa.org/donate).

John Riedle John Irwin Riedle, 92, of Hopkinton passed away peacefully on Dec. 14 at Beaumont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Westborough.

Born in Hopkinton, he was the son of the late Jane (Robson) and Oscar Riedle. He was the husband of 68 years to the late Arlene (Kempton) Riedle.

John is survived by four children, Deborah Blicharz and husband Thomas of Hopkinton, Janice Bouchard and husband John of West Hartford, Connecticut, Judith Hanson and husband Richard of Lawrence, and John Riedle and wife Miriam of Amsterdam, New York. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Elizabeth Blicharz Arnone and husband Ivan of Paramus, New Jersey, Abigail Blicharz Kirstein of Mendon, Julia Muldoon and husband Michael of Plainville, Connecticut, Richard Hanson and partner Elizabeth Biasiucci of Londonderry, New Hampshire, and Ross Hanson of Nashua, New Hampshire; as well as five greatgrandchildren, Gwendolyn, Emmett, Emma, Grace and Gabriel, and many nieces and nephews.

Growing up on Hayden Rowe Street, John always talked about how much he loved his life in Hopkinton.

He relished telling his children and

grandchildren stories of his adventures and escapades with his many boyhood and high school friends. John graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1948. He especially enjoyed playing football at Hopkinton High and was particularly proud of the 1947 team that defeated its biggest rival — Ashland High School — by one point in the last game of the season to preserve an undefeated season.

After graduation, John joined his parents’ florist business, Sunnyside Gardens. John spent many years with the business during which time he and Arlene married and started their family, before selling the business and purchasing a dairy farm in Bellingham.

Dairy farming was John’s true calling. He loved raising his family on the farm and the connection he had to the cows and other farm animals, the land and the seasons. The farm was a gathering place for countless family gatherings and celebrations along with the many visitors he welcomed to spend time with him in the barn, telling stories as he milked the cows. After farming, John then worked for the FDIC and for many years in construction, serving as a project manager for home developers in the Milford and Mendon area.

As a man of faith, John served as a deacon and member of the Board of Trustees at Pine Street Baptist Church in Milford. He and Arlene also shared many wonderful evenings with the Couples Club at the Church. More than anything else, nothing brought John more joy and meaning in his life than his love, care and devotion to his family — wife Arlene and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

John was a big kid — rolling around on the grass, playing and telling stories with each generation of children in the family. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren out to dinner, to fairs and to farms. He attended every concert, game, play and parent weekend at his grandchildren’s colleges — through Memorial Day concerts, performances and parades for his great-grandchildren. John was a kind, humble and generous man who always put his family and friends before himself. He had a hearty laugh and enjoyed a good joke and the occasional glass of “spirits.” He is dearly missed.

The family wishes to thank John’s

NEW YEAR – NEW YOU!

IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS

Earn top pay and benefits!

Experienced Oil & Propane Drivers CDL with tank & hazmat endorsements required.

Experienced Service Technicians Looking for a New Career?

Training provided for Oil & Propane Drivers and Service Technicians.

Email resume: Jeffrey@medwayoil.com or Michael@medwayoil.com Medway Oil & Propane, 37 Broad St., Medway, MA 02053

LOSE 20 TO 40 LBS IN 40 DAYS! All natural, no exercise, no prepackaged foods, no drugs!

Start 2022 off right!

Call or book a free consultation today!

MassFatLoss.com 508-881-1002

274 Union Street, Ashland HopkintonIndependent.com

nurse practitioner, Ann, and the nurses and nursing assistants of the Fairbanks Neighborhood at Beaumont for their kind care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Beaumont, 3 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581, Attn.

Lisa Coppola.

A memorial service will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Mary Aten M a r y C. (Cooney) Aten, 94, of Hopkinton passed away peacefully on Nov. 26 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, Wo r c e s ter. She is the loving mother of William E. Aten Jr. and wife Gail of Mendon, Roy E. Aten and wife Beverly of Mobile, Alabama, Lori A. Aten and partner William Chipman of Whitinsville, and the late Darlene T. Russell. She leaves her many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren.

Mary was born in Cambridge on Feb. 25, 1927, the daughter of the late William and Mary (Ferguson) Cooney.

She was a resident of Hopkinton, formerly of Alfred, Maine, the MetroWest area and Bellingham. She worked as an LPN at Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick for 30 years until retiring.

She was a talented artist and enjoyed knitting and cooking, especially for the family at the holidays. She also enjoyed traveling and going to the ocean. She loved her pets and leaves her cherished dog, Emma. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral service was held Dec. 17 at Cartier’s Funeral Home, Bellingham.

Pamela Bogigian Pamela Kay Bogigian, 72, of Hopkinton passed away at her home Dec. 20.

Born in Akron, Ohio, she was the daughter of Kathleen (King) Mansfield MacLennan of Hopkinton and the late C. Richard Mansfield. She was the wife of 49 years to Vascen J. Bogigian of Hopkinton.

Pam graduated from Framingham State with a bachelor’s degree, and earned her master’s degrees from Kent State in Ohio and Lesley University in Cambridge. She was a kindergarten teacher in Milford for over 30 years.

Children were her passion and she loved checking in on them later in life.

Pam was an excellent chef and always was experimenting with something new in the kitchen. She was an avid quilter and took pleasure in Vintage Quilters at the Hopkinton Senior Center with her mother and friends.

She enjoyed shopping, antiquing and exploring boutiques. Most importantly, she loved time spent with her family.

In addition to her husband, Pam

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 23 is survived by her brother, Richard L. Mansfield and wife Mary Lou of North Eastham, her brother-in-law, John Bogigian and wife Joyce of Holliston, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service was celebrated Dec. 27 at Armenian Church of Holy Translators in Framingham. Interment was to be held privately at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Armenian Church of Holy Translators, 38 Franklin Street, Framingham, MA 01702 or Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MA 01757 or foundation.milfordregional.org/ donate/online.

Patricia Hart Patricia Hughes Hart, 89, passed away peacefully Dec. 10.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, John Hart.

Born in Springfield and raised in Hinsdale, Pat attended Larson College, graduating as a medical technician. She worked at Yale-New Haven Hospital before working with several doctors in private practice in the New Haven area. She relocated to St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham two years ago, where she received loving and compassionate care as she battled dementia.

Pat was a lifelong volunteer. She served at the hospital, at church, at SARAH, and at Connecticut Hospice.

To us, she was the family photographer, banana cream pie maker, home decorator, antique collector and family handywoman. What she taught us about family — putting family first, being honest, honoring commitments, having good manners, being the biggest cheerleader and sometimes the harshest critic — will stay with us every day of our lives.

Pat leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Sam Docknevich of Hopkinton; her two sons and their wives, Scott and MaryAnn Hart of Gilford, New Hampshire, and Robert and Donna Hart of North Branford, Connecticut; her seven grandchildren, Kate, Eric, Rob, John, Kyle, Michael and David; and her great-grandchild, Ada — and another on the way in January. She also leaves her sister, Robin Foss and husband Michael of Georgetown.

Funeral services were private, arranged by Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service in Hamden, Connecticut.

Russell Grant Russell Dean Grant, a 30-year resident of Hopkinton and sixyear resident of Franklin, passed away on Christmas Eve morning after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. He was 75. He lived with grace,

day after day, even though it was a losing battle. The neurodegenerative disease ravaged him physically, but it never touched his courage, his faith in a loving God, and his love for his family.

He leaves his wife of 52 years, Linda Johnson Grant, son Steve and wife Rachel, daughter Allison and husband Matt Lugar, and son Justin and wife Lisa. His seven grandchildren — Brynn, Hayden, Savanna and Evelyn Lugar and Isaac, Will and Ellie Grant — brought him joy. He also leaves his mother, Goldie Grant, of Windom, Minnesota, and a brother, Charles Grant of Jeffers, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arlon Grant, sisters, Joanne Kerr, Joyce Swanson and Beverly Nyflot, and a brother, Richard Grant.

His career was in information technology, and after moving from Minnesota to Massachusetts in 1985, he held positions with Honeywell, Banyan, the Massachusetts Turnpike and Mass. Highway as well as the Division of Insurance for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 2003, he took early retirement as director of management information systems at the Insurance Division and then spent 20-plus years as owner of Advantage Cleaning Company, with customers in Boston and New York City. He was generous with his time and willing to share his knowledge with you. He always enjoyed a day sailing with friends, a game of sudoku, and ice cream anytime. He was active at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton (now Faith Community Church) and was former chairman of the Stewardship Committee and Church Board. His faith was important to him, and he lived a life of unwavering trust in God’s plan for his life.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Services are pending at this time, with hopes of a mid-January memorial service. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Community Church, 146 East Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Sarah McCain Sarah V. McCain, 93, of Bristol, Connecticut, widow of Russell F. Mc-

Cain, passed away Dec. 14 at Bristol Hospital. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on March 29, 1928, to the late Adeline (Notarfrancesco) and Dominick Villecco.

Sarah absolutely loved life and was very active. She enjoyed playing tennis as well as golf at Chippanee Country Club in Bristol, where she was a longtime member. She loved warm weather, being in the sun, and winters in Florida.

Sarah is survived by her sons, David McCain and wife Margarita of Coral Gables, Florida, and Timothy McCain and wife Debra of Hopkinton; her sister, Mary Sweeney of Bristol; her grandchildren, Daniel McCain, John Farias, Christopher McCain and Courtney McCain; as well as nieces and nephews who were like sons daughters to her, Judy DeFillippi, Kevin Sweeney, Karen Scalia and Betsy Corbin.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Russell, Sarah is predeceased by her brothers, Carmine Villecco and Hugo Villecco.

Funeral services were held Dec. 16 at Funk Funeral Home in Bristol, Connecticut, to St. Gregory the Great Church, Bristol, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Burial followed in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.

Shirley Grant Shirley B. (Stone) Grant, 92, of Hopkinton passed away Dec. 9 after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Frederick Grant Sr. Born in Ashland, she was the youngest of 10 children of Frank and Edith (Potts) Stone. She attended Ashland schools and graduated from Ashland High School in 1947. During her school years she made many friend-

ships that lasted her lifetime.

Shirley was a telephone operator and, later, after her children were grown, she worked at Mammoth Mart and Dave’s TV in Ashland. After she retired she enjoyed being home and being Grammie and Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She especially loved listening to her favorite Irish singer, Daniel O’Donnell.

She leaves her children, Frederick Grant Jr. and wife Kathee, Edward Grant, Donna Sarno and husband John, Beverly Lange and companion William Kearns, and Kathleen Grant; grandchildren Kevin, Jason, Jeremy, Michelle and Brian; and great-grandchildren Zach, Andrew, Vivienne, Matthew, Sarah and Samantha. She is predeceased by her brothers, Leslie, Myron, Melvin and Warren, and her sisters, Olive, Mildred, Doris, Grace and Carolyn.

A funeral service was held Dec. 14 in the chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland, followed by burial in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Shirley’s name to The Heart Center of MetroWest, 99 Lincoln Street, Framingham, MA 01702 (list Shirley Grant on check memo).

Theresa Jasset Theresa “Terry” Barbara (Sampson) Jasset, 94, of Framingham passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Dec. 30.

Born in Boston, raised in Newton, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Helen (LeBlanc) Sampson. Theresa is survived by her sister, Rita Abel of Portland, Maine. She is predeceased by her brothers, Wilfred, Herman and James Sampson.

Theresa was the loving wife of the late Walter S. Jasset Jr., who passed away in November 1990, her true love for 39 beautiful years.

Obituaries | 24

HOPKINTON HOME IMPROVEMENT GENERAL REPAIRS Winter& Services INTERIOR EXTERIOR PAINTING

Snow Plowing & Roof Snow Removal • Gutter Cleaning & Repairs

• Power Washing CARPENTRY • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING • Deck Replacement & Repairs • Window & Door Replacement • Wood Flooring Installation • Kitchen & Bathroom

Remodeling • Window & Door Replacement • Wood Flooring • Decks • Siding • Roofs • Masonry • Siding • Roofs • Masonry • Kitchen & Bathroom •Remodeling Power Washing • Basement Finishing • Gutter Repairs & Cleaning

• Basement Finishing

From a whole house to a one item pick up.

$25 off

a full truck or a 15-yard dumpster

Mention Hopkinton Independent.

Not to be combined with other offers.

Detailed & Detailed &Meticulous Meticulous Reasonable Rates Reasonable Rates

Call Mauricio

508.202.8602 FULLY INSURED

LET US clean out YOUR JUNK!

MA HIC.#169427

HopkintonIndependent.com

We Beat ALL Competitor Pricing

774-287-1133

AffordableJunkRemoval.com

24 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 Obituaries | from page 23

She graduated from Newton North High School and upon graduation worked at Newton City Hall. She met the love of her life, Walter, on a double date set up by her cousin on Christmas Eve. They married and started their family in Newton and then moved to raise their growing family in Framingham, among many wonderful neighbors and friends.

Theresa was a homemaker and volunteered at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham for over 20 years. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. She found pleasure in hosting holiday gatherings, preparing Sunday dinners, sewing, ceramics, singing in the choir and playing card games. She loved spending time at their second home in Saco, Maine, where she enjoyed the ocean, taking drives and cool breezes sitting on her front porch. This was the gathering spot where her children and grandchildren would talk for hours, laugh and listen to stories about the good old days. It was common to find extended family and friends visiting for a weekend or weeks on end.

Theresa was the beloved mother of five children, Lois Abramo and husband Salvatore of Norfolk, Peter Jasset of Framingham, Beverly Jasset of Hopkinton, Jane Clark of Framingham, and Ellen Merrill of Sudbury. She was an adoring Nana to her five grandchildren, Jessica Tripp and husband Everett, Victoria Abramo, Elizabeth Abramo, Noah Merrill and Walter Simon Merrill. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 7 in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Newton, followed by burial at Newton

Cemetery. Services were under the care of the Norton Funeral Home, Newton.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her name may be made to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org).

Thomas Astore Thomas Harris Astore, 60, of Hopkinton passed away unexpectedly at his home on Dec. 3. Born in Astoria, Queens, New York, he was the son of Ann Astore of Long Island, New York, and the late Anthony Astore.

As he would say, he was married to his lovely wife Tina for 17 years.

His sons Henry and Liam of Vermont were the most precious people in his life. He also leaves behind his sister, Stephanie VanEckhart and her children, Sarah and Jake; his brother, Richard and wife Corinne and their children, Andy and Mary; his stepson, Jeremy MacLeod and wife Cynthia and their children, Madison and Brendan; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Hopkinton resident for the past three years, Thomas formerly lived in Newton and South Burlington, Vermont. He received a B.A. from Hofstra University and a law degree from Fordham Law School, then became a CPA and practiced as a tax accountant, most recently as tax partner at Rodman & Rodman. He achieved his goal of

Breaking News & Daily Updates in Your Inbox

FREE

DAILY NEWS UPDATE

NEWSLETTER

Schools closed due to snowstorm Hopkinton schools will be closed Friday due to the predicted snowstorm.

“As you may know, the upcoming snow event is predicted to be plowable and substantial; and further, the greatest impact is going to occur during the morning commute,” Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh wrote in an email to schools families. Read more.

becoming a bogie golfer this summer and anticipated playing 4-under next year. Based on his diligence in practice, that most likely would have happened.

He also was meticulous in playing with clean balls and would wash a batch in the kitchen sink, scrub with the vegetable brush and dry with a white dish towel. He woke up singing and never stopped all day, usually the same song for a week. Tom was a caregiver for his mother-in-law, whom he called Mother Duff. His strong hands enabled her to get up steps and move about. He loved her dearly. He subtly and often not so subtly would instigate family discussions that he knew could get contentious, while he sat on the sidelines and chuckled.

Tom was a lifelong learner of both the mundane and the complicated facets of our lives, always inquisitive and open to new experiences. He had in-depth knowledge of history, religion, politics, movies and literature.

Retiring early enabled him to realize a lifelong dream of becoming involved in community theater as an actor and playwright. He also took the time to become more reflective with life in general, which was reflected in his writing. When the play he was rehearsing was canceled due to the coronavirus, he was asked to write scenes for two local theater groups. Three of those scenes were performed by local actors on Zoom then posted to YouTube while the other was performed live just prior to Massachusetts closing local theaters.

From there his playwriting blossomed. His play “Friends in Black in White” won first prize in the Millis Theater Group amateur playwriting contest. The play was adapted and produced under the name of “Tommy and Michael” and will be shown in January at the Ashland Community Theatre. Recent roles include: Claudius in “Hamlet” at the Dragonfly Theatre, Magee (lead role) in “Seven Keys to Baldpate” with the Whitinsville Players, Wadsworth the butler (lead role) in “Clue” performed with the Milford Players, Banquo in “Macbeth” with Enter Stage Left at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, and many more. Tom was a regular, fun and frivolous performer at Friday Nite Live (FNL) Adult Inprov Group at the Milford Performing Arts Center.

A funeral Mass was held Dec. 11 at St. John the Evangelist Church.

Services were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home, Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange via mareinc. org or 19 Needham Street, Suite 206, Newton, MA 02461 or to the Milford Performing Arts Center, 150 Main Street, Milford, MA 01747.

Thomas Smith

Your #1 Hopkinton News Source

SIGN UP TODAY AT

HopkintonIndependent.com

Thomas R. Smith, 86, of Westborough and formerly a longtime resident of Southborough, died Dec. 31 after a period of declining health.

Tom was the devoted husband of Shirley (Brooks) Smith for over 65 years.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Emmett and Anastasia (Kelly) Smith. Tom was employed by Raytheon Company for 46 years as

HopkintonIndependent.com

a computer analyst, retiring in 1999.

He was a self-taught piano player and loved music. Tom was very proud of his record collection of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. For 50 years he was a good friend of Bill W. and a member of St. Matthew Church of Southborough, where he was an usher. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Thomas R. Smith Jr. and wife Linda of Auburn, Paul Smith, David Smith and wife Susan of Marlborough, Brian Smith and wife Jodie of Framingham, and Donald Smith and wife Judy of Marlborough, his sisters, Dorothy Steeves of Franklin and Margaret Pomeroy of Hopkinton, his grandchildren, Amy, Christopher, Peter, Felicia, Nicholas, Andrew and Matthew, and a great-grandson, Mikael.

Tom is predeceased by his siblings, Dr. Frank Smith, Marjorie Martin, James Smith, Kenneth Smith, Marie Mullaley, Robert Smith Sr., Ann Francis, Kathleen Gilligan and baby Charlotte.

A funeral Mass was held Jan. 6 at St. Matthew Church, Southborough, followed by burial in the Southborough Rural Cemetery. Services were under the care of the Morris Funeral Home, Southborough.

Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to either DanaFarber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.

Viola MacKenzie Vi o l a I .

MacKenzie, 92, of Hopkinton passed away peacefully on Dec. 31. Born Dec. 4, 1929, in Lowell, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late John and Goldie (Sheltra) Verge. She was the wife of the late Daniel J. MacKenzie Jr. Viola was a resident of Hopkinton for over 70 years. She worked at a variety of jobs over the years, and after retirement she volunteered at the Hopkinton Senior Center. She was a former Girl Scout leader and enjoyed square dancing, knitting, crocheting, painting, crafts, gardening, cooking and cake decorating, and she was a master seamstress.

Viola is survived by three children, Susan J. MacKenzie and husband Frederick Villar of Hopkinton, Lynda L. Rogers and husband Stephen L. Rogers of Keene, New Hampshire, and Daniel J. MacKenzie and wife Barbara of Indiana. She also leaves behind her brother, Isadore Verge of Florida, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews and her best friends, Charlotte Carboni of Holliston, Bea McMullen of Hopkinton, Jeanne Taylor of Hopkinton and George Robinson of Hopkinton. She is predeceased by sons William R. Mackenzie and Gordon C. MacKenzie, brothers Clement and Gordon Verge, and sister Antoinette Taylor.

In keeping with Viola’s wishes, the family was to hold a private service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Viola’s name may be made to your favorite charity. Arrangements were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 25

Police Log ARRESTS December 30 5:56 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Shannon Beloin conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street and subsequently arrested a 54-year-old Wood Street resident and charged him with OUI liquor, third offense, and failure to yield.

December 31 5:09 p.m. Multiple calls were received about a stabbing at a Main Street business. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross and Ryan Polselli responded along with ambulances that included assistance from Ashland and Southborough. The victim was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. A 40-year-old Framingham resident was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault and battery on a pregnant victim, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a pregnant victim.

10:50 p.m. On East Main Street, Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Kevin Sager and Ryan Polselli arrested a 42-year-old from Maynard and charged him with marked lanes violation, OUI liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

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

December 17 5:03 a.m. An officer conducted a motor vehicle check at Legacy Farms South and spoke to an individual sleeping in his vehicle. He was to be on his way.

10:09 a.m. An officer came upon a street sign at Pond Street and Winter Street that appeared to have been struck and was leaning heavily. The DPW was contacted and was to respond.

11:25 a.m. A walk-in reported her parked vehicle was hit the previous day on Lumber Street.

She wanted the incident logged for insurance purposes.

12:39 p.m. A Jamie Lane caller said several neighbors told him of multiple vehicles with out-of-state license plates — mostly Rhode Island — in the neighborhood recently. No one had reported anything missing, but the caller requested extra checks of the property.

4:24 p.m. A Cedar Street caller reported multiple cars pulled over and apparently looking for something. Another caller then reported a loose dog in the area. A few minutes later, the second caller reported seeing the dog in the Legacy Farms North/Cedar Street area by the water. An officer headed that direction with the animal control officer and checked the area with a negative find.

6:24 p.m. A caller from Pennsylvania reported receiving a suspicious check from a company in

Hopkinton and wanted to speak with an officer about it. An officer advised on what course of action to take, including contacting the police in the caller’s town.

7:05 p.m. A 911 caller reported four to six teenage males opened the door to her house on Church Street and then ran when they saw her. All units responded. The kids ran in different directions. A report was to follow.

8:19 p.m. Multiple calls were received about a vehicle on fire on Main Street. An officer responded to assist the Fire Department. The fire was put out by an extinguisher.

December 18 1:37 a.m. An officer checked on

a vehicle parked in an open field on Fruit Street. Everything checked out OK, and the party was to be on their way.

10:04 a.m. A walk-in reported getting packages that weren’t theirs. The individual confirmed no fraudulent activity but wanted the incident logged.

12:59 p.m. A walk-in reported that she lost her wallet while pumping gas at a West Main Street gas station and wanted the incident logged. She was advised on how to protect herself from possible fraud.

1:41 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Pond Street, where a car was reported to have hit a tree.

No personal injuries were reported.

9:26 p.m. A 911 caller on Stoney Brook Road reported their back door was shattered. Units responded and reported that the door was smashed by a deer.

9:59 p.m. An officer conducted a motor vehicle check on Hayden Rowe Street. A driver had pulled over to send a text.

December 19 4:31 p.m. A walk-in reported that someone got his license information through a scam. An officer took a report.

December 20 10:48 a.m. An officer helped move a disabled motor vehicle off the road on West Main Street.

December 21 3:52 a.m. A 911 caller reported smoke detectors sounding and a

CO detector showing a red light in a home on Circle Drive. The caller was advised to evacuate. An officer was dispatched to assist the Fire Department.

8:22 a.m. A two-car motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on West Main Street.

An officer responded and took a report. One owner sought a private tow, as the vehicle was parked in a private lot.

11:32 a.m. A caller reported being locked out of her vehicle near the upper beach at Hopkinton State Park. The Ashland Police Department was contacted for assistance.

12:27 p.m. An officer assisted the FBI with an investigation on Hayden Rowe Street.

1:13 p.m. A North Street caller reported that about 30 minutes earlier he had contractors working at his house on Westfield Road when a man pulled up in a red Ford Explorer, got out and took a picture of the house, then took off when confronted. An officer responded and checked the area with a negative find. The caller wanted the incident logged.

2:09 p.m. An individual called to report an Eversource electric scam. The caller indicated that no information was given to the scammers and was advised on how to prevent future fraud. The caller wanted the incident logged.

3:27 p.m. A Hopkinton Public Library employee reported an unattended backpack. An officer responded, but the bag already had been picked up by its owner.

Police log | 26

MAIN STREET SERVICE CENTER Complete Auto Service

Computerized Diagnostics Foreign & American . Wheel Alignment Complete Air Conditioning Service Road Service . Towing Tune-ups . Brakes . Tires Massachusetts State Inspection Station

508-435-9038 96 MAIN STREET, Hopkinton (Rte 135) 39 years in business 1982-2022

HopkintonIndependent.com

HERE TO MEET YOUR NEEDS For those who are not able to come to our office we are offering:

Telehealth

Physical therapy evaluation and treatment from home.

508-544-1540 1 Lumber Street, Suite 201, Hopkinton 196 E. Main Street, Milford (in The Gym) 15 West Union Street, Ashland

www.platinumptma.com

26 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 Police log | from page 25

5:01 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle with no tail lights on Hayden Rowe Street. An officer responded and checked the area with a negative find.

7:12 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator at Cedar Street and Main Street. An officer responded and checked the area with a negative find.

9:02 p.m. A 911 caller reported two intoxicated males that she wanted removed from a Clinton Street residence. Officers responded, and the individuals indicated they would keep it down for the night. The caller said she would call back if they got out of hand again.

December 22 5:00 a.m. A Grove Street caller reported seeing two people near her vehicle with flashlights. Officers responded and checked the area with a negative find.

5:13 a.m. An officer on Grove Street checked on a vehicle that had its interior light on. The vehicle was secured.

8:48 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled motor vehicle on West Main Street. A tow company was contacted.

10:41 a.m. A David Joseph Road caller reported identity theft.

12:04 p.m. A South Street caller reported receiving fraudulent checks in the mail.

1:25 p.m. A caller reported losing her debit card.

1:47 p.m. A caller had questions regarding retrieval of property with a restraining order. The caller was referred to the courts.

3:29 p.m. A caller reported a muffler in the road on Cedar Street.

An officer moved the muffler to the side of the road.

4:21 p.m. A caller reported that they believed someone tried to break into their house on Stewart Street. A unit was dispatched for a check.

4:28 p.m. A State Police unit reported an erratic operator on Hayden Rowe Street. An officer checked the area with a negative find.

4:54 p.m. An officer drove up on a minor motor vehicle accident at East Main Street and Legacy Farms Road North. No personal injuries were reported.

5:55 p.m. A Lumber Street caller reported a strong odor of natural gas. The Fire Department responded and indicated a propane tank outside needed to be serviced.

6:23 p.m. A unit was dispatched to Pond Street for a report of an accident with no personal injury.

The area was checked with a negative find.

7:53 p.m. A caller reported her son’s cell phone was stolen between 3-4 p.m. in the boys locker room at school on Hayden Rowe Street.

8:05 p.m. A passerby reported a two-car motor vehicle accident at West Main Street and School Street.

Police and fire personnel were dispatched. No personal injuries were reported.

10:32 p.m. A caller reported that dogs had been barking at a door on Knoll Road for 1 1/2 hours. A unit was dispatched, and the dogs were taken inside.

December 23 7:52 a.m. A 911 caller reported a motor vehicle accident with no personal injuries on Interstate 495.

Hopkinton Police assisted while waiting for the State Police to respond.

11:32 a.m. A caller reported

Keeping your eyes happy & healthy!

Welcoming New Patients

a man on Lakeshore Drive was throwing around trash bins and trying to get into a neighbor’s garage.

Officers responded, spoke with the caller and viewed the knocked-over trash bins. A report was to follow.

12:18 p.m. Several calls were received about a fallen tree partially blocking the roadway on West Main Street. The DPW was contacted and removed the tree.

1:12 p.m. A caller reported that a car was leaking fuel on Main Street. An officer assisted the Fire Department with cleanup.

1:32 p.m. A walk-in reported that he found some credit cards while walking.

5:18 p.m. An officer went to pick up a deer that had been struck on Wilson Street. The Ashland Police Department was contacted when it was determined that the accident occurred just over the town line.

7:03 p.m. An officer reported damage to a wall at Center School on Ash Street.

9:23 p.m. A disabled motor vehicle was reported on Hillcrest Drive. A tow truck was to respond.

December 24 2:36 a.m. Officers responded to Fruit Street, where a car hit a pole and the air bag was deployed.

No personal injury was reported.

Verizon was contacted.

11:39 a.m. A walk-in reported his daughter lost her cell phone on her school bus. The information was passed on to the school resource officer to notify the school bus office.

3:44 p.m. An individual reported a hit and run at Lake Whitehall.

8:39 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator in a red vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street. An officer

Less Wait Time, More Face Time.

We can see you first at Northeast Dermatology Associates!

Dr. Steven Perryman and the office team Serving Hopkinton Since 1999

• • • •

Quality/Detailed Eye Exams Contact Lens Fitting Optical Shop and Lab Dry Eye Specialist

• LASIK Consultations • Emergency Eye Care • Accepts AllWays™ Insurance

Accepting new patients of all ages.

Schedule an appointment today!

Call 508-625-0606 or visit nedermatology.com to schedule.

10 Cedar Street, Hopkinton (across from Post Office)

22 South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

HopkintonVision.com | 508.435.4711

HopkintonIndependent.com

checked the area with a negative find.

December 25 9:06 a.m. A 911 caller reported an erratic operator on Elm Street.

Everything checked out OK. 2:05 p.m. An alarm company reported a general fire alarm on Wescott Drive. An officer responded to assist the Fire Department but was canceled en route.

December 26 12:35 a.m. On Fruit Street, an officer reported a car door was open and appeared to have been open for a while. The officer secured it.

8:19 a.m. Multiple 911 calls reported a two-car motor vehicle accident with air bag deployment and personal injury on Grove Street. Officers responded along with multiple fire personnel. A tow was called for both vehicles and a report was to follow.

December 27 2:00 p.m. A caller reported a three-car accident on Hayden Rowe Street with no personal injuries. Officers responded, took a report and issued a written warning to one of the operators.

December 28 10:45 a.m. An officer assisted the Fire Department following activation of a commercial fire alarm on Woodview Way. 12:18 p.m. A caller reported two dogs running around in the roadway of Meserve Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and spoke with the owner, who was to retrieve the dogs.

December 29 11:57 a.m. A Parker Point Road caller reported a FedEx driver parked in the middle of the roadway. When confronted, the driver would not move. The truck was no longer in the area, but the caller wanted the incident logged.

12:21 p.m. A Lilac Court resident reported unwanted and unregistered solicitors in the neighborhood. Officer Philip Powers responded and gave the solicitors a verbal warning, shut them down, and told them to register at the police station.

2:14 p.m. A motorist reported an erratic operator on Wood Street headed toward Westborough. The Westborough Police Department was notified.

2:38 p.m. Multiple callers reported a struck deer in the roadway of Wood Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and reported the animal was deceased. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and assisted. The animal control officer was contacted.

5:31 p.m. A walk-in reported

The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022 • 27 extortion over explicit photographs. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted and took a report.

10:05 p.m. A walk-in reported someone videotaped his children. Officer Shannon Beloin took a report of the suspicious activity.

December 30 12:33 a.m. A walk-in reported a case of fraud with the purchase of a dog. Officer Cody Normandin assisted and took a report.

8:13 a.m. Officer Philip Powers checked on a disabled motor vehicle on West Main Street and reported the vehicle was off the roadway and roadside assistance was on the way.

9:55 a.m. Officers Ryan Polselli and Brendon Lyver responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a smoking vehicle on Ash Street. Officer Polselli provided the operator with a courtesy transport to Milford.

10:03 a.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to a motor vehicle accident involving personal injuries on Main Street. A report was taken.

12:05 p.m. Officers Brendon Lyver and Ryan Polselli responded to a motor vehicle accident on Grove Street. No personal injuries were reported.

2:03 p.m. A concerned caller reported possible hunters in a strange location on Wood Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and found two vehicles with nobody in the vicinity.

December 31 12:54 a.m. A Crispwater Way resident reported someone rang the doorbell and ran away. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and checked the area with a negative find.

11:02 a.m. A caller reported an open manhole cover on Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and contacted the Water Department.

12:54 p.m. A walk-in reported cell phone theft. Officer Jay Deiana assisted and took a report.

2:20 p.m. A Hayward Street caller reported receiving an odd package. Sergeant Timothy Brennan spoke with the caller.

2:40 p.m. A Crispwater Way resident reported seeing two individuals on his secu-

rity camera the previous night. Officer Ryan Polselli took a report.

January 1 11:59 a.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil checked on a motor vehicle on Wood Street and took a report.

1:06 p.m. A Saddle Hill Road caller reported a possible transformer explosion. A fallen wire but no smoke or fire was reported.

Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded along with the Fire Department and closed the road.

Eversource responded and reported a transformer was blown.

1:27 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin assisted a disabled motor vehicle on Lumber Street.

8:43 p.m. A Huckleberry Road resident reported youths rang his doorbell and ran off.

Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

Puppy Training Behavioral Issues Dog Walking

Fully Insured Barbara Carroll, Trainer

508.361.4409

DogHikesCatCare.com doghikescatcare@gmail.com

Stone Work Specialists

508.435.3911 Office/Fax

January 2 Design, Maintenance & Construction 1:43 a.m. A caller reported a loud inwww.scottslandscaping.org toxicated female destroying mailboxes on Downey Street. Officers Stephen Buckley, Because Because Because Your Your Your Family's Family's Family's Kevin Sager and Shannon Beloin responded Health Health Health &&Safety Safety & Safety Matters Matters Matters Most Most Most ToToUs To UsUs Because Your Family’s and transported the individual to School Health & Safety Matters Street.

Most To Us 2:58 a.m. The State Police requested a portable breath test for a stop made on Interstate Because Your Family's 495. Officer Cody Normandin responded with Health & Safety Matters Most To Us the test to assist.

9:52 a.m. A caller reported an unoccupied motor vehicle on West Main Street that was running for the past 2-3 hours with a dog in it.

Officers Philip Powers and Cody Normandin responded and spoke with the owner, who subsequently left the scene.

11:08 a.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil reported a missing stop sign on Clinton Street.

The DPW was notified.

2:32 p.m. A caller reported a disabled motor vehicle on Legacy Farms North. Officer Philip Powers responded and assisted with arranging a tow.

4:09 p.m. Sergeant Joseph Bennett came across a disabled motor vehicle on Cedar www.scottseptic.com www.scottseptic.com www.scottseptic.com | |508.435.4168 | 508.435.4168 www.scottseptic.com | 508.435.4168 508.435.4168 Street and assisted in getting the vehicle back Family Family Family Owned Owned Owned && Operated Operated & Operated Serving Serving Serving MetroWest MetroWest MetroWest Boston Boston Boston Since Since 1968 Since 19681968 Family Owned & Operated Serving MetroWest Boston Since 1968 on the road.

SCOTT SCOTT SCOTT SEPTIC SEPTIC SCOTTSEPTIC SEPTIC

MetroWest 69

2021

Framingham man dies in crash on I-495 in Hopkinton A 24-year-old corrections officer from Framingham died after a crash on an icy Interstate 495 in Hopkinton on Christmas Eve morning.

According to a GoFundMe page that was set up to assist his family, Gaudet was returning from an overnight shift at the prison in Shirley when his truck went off the road. A Massachusetts State Police announcement indicated that Gaudet’s 2004 Ford F250 collided with the Fruit Street bridge abutment. He was pronounced dead after being taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

The fundraising page shared some background on Gaudet, indicating he was a wrestler when he was a student at Framingham High School.

“Everyone who knew Ryan says he could light up a room with his smile. He had the biggest heart and was always willing to help friends and family,” the GoFundMe introduc-

tion reads.

“His passion for helping others extended throughout the community. Ryan’s career in law enforcement clearly showed that he put his life on the line every day to serve others. His selfless ability to help others was admirable and courageous. His loss is tragic for his family, friends and his community as a whole.”

The Hopkinton Fire Department was among those who responded to the crash — along with other accidents that occurred that morning, as light snow contributed to the slippery conditions.

“We realize today is a big travel day and folks are excited to get where they’re going,” the HFD tweeted. “We want you to get there safely. Please slow down and be cautious!”

The incident was under investigation by Troop C of the State Police along with the Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section and Crime Scene Services Section.

HopkintonIndependent.com

PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Happy 2022!

Stay Warm This Winter Call us Today to Service Your Heating System We offer 0% interest for 7 years under Mass Save.

Service Work • Repairs • Boilers Water Heaters • Remodeling • New Construction Air Conditioning • Heat Pumps • Mini-Splits

508-875-3413 • ShahoodPlumbing.com 35 Main Street-Rear, Hopkinton Fully licensed and insured

28 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 12, 2022

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Kathy Parrow for this photo of snowflakes on a holly leaf off Hayden Rowe Street. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@ hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria.

Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bill’s Pizzeria.

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

LIQUOR

WINE

CRAFT BEER

E

ach week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week we feature an 8-yearold male German shepherd/mixed breed named Shark.

Here is Baypath’s description of Shark: Meet Shark! This handsome gentleman traveled from warm waters in Florida all the way to New England. But don’t be intimidated by his name, he is an old sweetie who is ready to retire.

Shark would like to live with teenagers or adults. He is very friendly! He has possible hip dysplasia and we wouldn’t want young kids jumping all over his hind end, since it hurts He will need a place to curl up and get warm during the cold New England winters. He has a great energy level — happy to go for walks and play, but also happy to lounge around and spend time with people!

He loves to play with toys! So far, his favorites are squeaky tennis balls! Did we say he loves to play ball? It’s his favorite game!

He’s a smart boy! He knows ‘sit’ and walks great on leash! Shark seems to be both house trained and crate trained. He is food motivated! Shark loves to keep his mind busy with fun food puzzles.

Shark is a healthy guy! Our vet thinks he is 5-8 years old. We know, that’s a big range! We just don’t know for sure. He has joint disease due to his breed, but otherwise he is in fabulous shape!

He is great with dogs! Shark likes to walk and play with other dogs! We don’t think he wants to share his home with a cat. Shark is happiest when he is with people! Shark does well going for car rides!

For more information on Shark and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane.org or visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.

For more Adoptable Animals of the Week, check the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

NOW IN 12-PACKS!

GOURMET

HOT SAUCES AND BBQ

SMOKE SHOP

Wine your way • Curbside pickup • Shipping within MA • Home delivery available • Visit us for the most amazing wine selection you’ve ever seen with over 3,000 wines to choose from.

In fact, you can taste dozens of select wines using our Angel Share Tasting Machine.

FREE DELIVERY on all orders OVER $300. More information on your Julio's app, or on our website.

140 Turnpike Rd., Westborough Route 9 at Lyman St. (508) 366-1942 | juliosliquors.com OPEN 7 DAYS M-Sat 9am - 9pm, Sun 10am-7pm

So much more than a liquor store.

HopkintonIndependent.com