HI 10.16.24

FIREHOUSE FRIENDS

Adults with disabilities ‘find their voice’ at HCA

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts on Sept. 20 hosted the first of four free monthly Friday Night Sing-Alongs for adults with disabilities, giving those individuals a safe space to find their voice both literally and in society.

Kelly Grill, executive director of the HCA, explained in an interview with the Independent before the event that the idea was sparked by a conversation about the 18-22 EXCEL program offered by the Hopkinton Public Schools.

“A teacher here was substitute teaching at the 18-22 program for people with disabilities,” she said. “He

Sing-alongs | 7

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Select Board at its Oct. 1 meeting emphasized the need for level-service funding and building town department budgets from the bottom up because of the town’s increasing tax rates over the next several years.

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus explained that the board needed to develop its message to town departments to guide them as they prepare their fiscal year 2026 budget requests. She recommended that level-service budgets be submitted “and that departments will document and justify their expenses from the bottom up.”

This is the first step in the budget process. Once town departments submit their budget requests, the town manager reviews them along with Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre. Lazarus then will meet with town department heads individually.

During “key points” in the process, the Select Board will be meeting with the School Committee as it develops its budget. By the time the school budget process is finished, the “information and

The HCA’s Friday Night Sing-Alongs help adults with disabilities connect with a musical theme.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Sparky the Fire Dog is joined by Sam Seitz at the Hopkinton Fire Department Open House on Oct. 6.

Town clerk hopeful for more ‘sane’ election season

Early in-person voting for the Nov. 5 election begins this Saturday (Oct. 19) and runs for two weeks (check the town website for specific hours). Correspondingly, the conspiracy theorists are back with unfounded accusations and occasional threats.

On a positive note, Town Clerk Connor Degan said it’s not nearly as bad as the 2022 election — at least so far.

“Two years ago there was a huge effort to cause issues and delays with the midterm elections,” Degan said in a recent interview. “Fortunately, we were able to push some of it off. I haven’t seen as much of it this year to this point. People have been more sane, at least in Hopkinton.”

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY

That said, Degan noted that Homeland Security recently contacted town/city clerks and emergency management in the state because letters containing white powder had been sent to election officials.

“I know other clerks [in Massachusetts] who have received nasty letters from residents saying, ‘Your days are numbered’ if this election goes one way or the other,” Degan said. “Look, it’s fine for us all to disagree on political stuff, but we all have to agree that the system has to work in order to have a fair election.”

For those with questions or concerns, Degan is more than willing to talk and explain how the elections are run to ensure integrity.

“One of the biggest problems is we’re so quick to shut down people we disagree with,” he said. “We’ve had people come in, and we’ll have a conversation at the window [of the Town Clerk’s Office]. I hope they leave the window feeling a little more comfortable.”

Recently, Degan addressed concerns about people in the country illegally registering to vote, while another individual questioned why they were sent applications for mail-in ballots for their adult children who had moved away.

“People were worried when [the state] had the new law allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses that they would register to vote,” Degan said. “But it’s not something new that non-citizens can get driver’s licenses. And they still can’t register to vote.”

As for the mail-in ballots, Degan said even if a parent removed a child from the household census form, “We don’t let people change other people’s voter registration.” If there is evidence the individual had moved, they would be placed on the inactive list and asked to confirm. If they don’t reply and don’t vote locally in a couple of election cycles, they eventually would be removed.

As for anyone thinking they could take advantage of the situation and cast an extra ballot, Degan cautioned that it wouldn’t be a smart strategy. His office hand-checks the signatures on the applications against what is on file (“Quite the exhausting task,” he said), and any suspicions of fraud are forwarded to the Elections Division of the Attorney General’s Office to determine how to proceed.

“At the end of the day, it’s a very high risk for a low reward to do that kind of fraud,”

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Degan said. “It’s not a high payoff, and it’s fraud on a federal election scale. I don’t see why anyone in their right mind would want to do this.”

Added Degan: “I can’t ever say that fraud is impossible, but we take every step in place to make sure it’s not worth it.”

HCA hosts ‘Portraits in Red’

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts is hosting a national traveling exhibition titled “Portraits in Red: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project.”

The MMIP Painting Project began with a single painting by artist Nayana LaFond on May 5, 2020, the day of remembrance for MMIP. After an outpouring of support following her sharing the painting online, she received requests for more. As of this summer, there were 110 completed paintings.

The portraits are primarily in black and white, with a red handprint across the subject’s mouth to symbolize being silenced. Additionally, many indigenous groups believe red is the only color spirits can see.

“Every year we do an exhibition with an artist or curator intended to highlight a social justice topic,” explained Sandee Buckley, the HCA’s director of operations, adding, “It’s a real coup for Hopkinton to get an artist of this stature to exhibit here.”

Visitors to the exhibit — which runs through Nov. 21 — are encouraged to leave a message of hope and support for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. Visit hopartscenter.org for hours and more details.

Tween’s generosity notable

Hopkinton 12-year-old Saisha Khanal recently participated in the Acton Children’s Business Fair — a one-day marketplace for children looking to launch and market a startup business — selling candles that she made herself. According to proud parent Shova Sharma, her daughter made $200 — “a huge achievement for someone her age.”

However, when Saisha returned home, she had only $20 left, and her mother asked what happened to the rest of the money.

“She explained that she had noticed some of the other young entrepreneurs hadn’t had much success and, seeing how sad they looked, she felt compelled to buy from them,” Sharma shared. “Her kindness didn’t stop there. She donated her last $20 to a fundraiser supporting children with cancer. I was speechless. On the one hand, I was incredibly proud of her. At just 12 years old, she had already learned one of the most valuable lessons in life: the joy of giving. Saisha felt good because she made others happy. She didn’t hesitate to help those who were struggling, and that generosity came naturally to her.

“However, as her mother, I also found myself wondering how to teach her about balance — how to give back while also being sustainable for her own efforts. Saisha’s actions were driven by her heart, and I wouldn’t want to stifle that compassion. But I also feel it’s important for her to understand that sustainability in her business would allow Independent thoughts | 3

Saisha Khanal (right) sells candles at the Acton Children’s Business Fair last month.

“Portraits in Red” is an exhibition at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts that raises awareness about missing and murdered indigenous people.

Tween’s generosity notable

her to continue giving without depleting her own resources entirely. In today’s world, it’s easy to forget that being kind and generous can coexist with being thoughtful and practical. I want her to know that she can inspire others and make a difference, but also that she doesn’t always have to give everything away at once. After all, even the most charitable people learn how to balance their giving with self-care and growth.”

Sharma noted that Saisha has been volunteering since she was 7, when she helped with her mother’s Sewa mask project during the COVID pandemic. Saisha raised money via painting, custom jewelry, face painting and candles. She also recently raised funds for a local nonprofit called DIEWC, which stands for Diversity and Inclusion Empowerment for Women and Children, which her mother founded and runs.

Sharma noted that children like her daughter “can often teach us the greatest lessons.”

“Saisha’s kindness is something I never want her to lose, and I believe her story will inspire others, too,” Sharma continued. “At the same time, I am excited to guide her toward understanding how to give sustainably so she can continue making the world a better place for years to come.”

Wicked 5K road race makes tweaks

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Wicked Weekend is fast approaching. One of the events as part of the weekend is the Wicked 5K road race and Wee Wicked Dash for kids, set for Sunday, Oct. 27.

Race organizer Ilana Casady said there have been some changes this year. Most notably, the start time has been pushed back to 1 p.m. so that it flows into the Wicked Family Fun Fest (cosponsored by the Hopkinton Moms Club) that afternoon.

“We changed the time to make it more post-celebration friendly,” Casady said. “In the past, it started at 10 a.m., and most people left afterward.”

The race starts and finishes at the HCA, with the whole course contained within Loop Road and the Center Trail.

The race traditionally features some creatively dressed runners and walkers.

“Costumes are not required but highly encouraged,” Casady said. “There will be a prize for the best costume.”

The first 150 registrants will get a commemorative race T-shirt. Casady is hoping for more than 200 entrants this year, so those who want a shirt should register ASAP.

In an effort to lure the area’s fastest runners, the race will offer a total of $1,000 in prize money to the top finishers.

Meanwhile, children who complete the Wee Wicked Dash will get a mini-pumpkin. Proceeds from the event support the HCA, so people can have an enjoyable time while benefiting a local nonprofit.

“It’s a nice, fun, family-friendly, all-ages Halloween event,” Casady said. “It can be fun if you’re a teenager, 4-year-old, grandparent — everyone is welcome.”

Random thoughts

You might be aware that the Hopkinton Trails Club hosts a trail walk each month, open for all to enjoy. This month’s walk — which is this Saturday at 1 p.m. — takes place at College Rock (off College Street, near the border with Milford and Holliston), and it celebrates the Trails Club’s 20-year anniversary with the location where the first walk was held. Visit hopkintontrailsclub.com for more information. …

The Friends of Whitehall’s annual fall cleanup also is scheduled for this Saturday, from 9 a.m.-noon, starting at the Whitehall State Park boat landing off Wood Street. Due to concerns about the threat of mosquito-borne West Nile virus or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), organizers are encouraging volunteers to wear long pants and longsleeved shirts, and the cleanup might be canceled if the threat level rises. Check the FOW website at friendsofwhiteball.org for updates. …

It was nice to see the return of the hand-held shopping baskets at Price Chopper. They were gone earlier this year, and an employee told me so many people were walking off with them that the store decided not to replace them. However, a new supply arrived in late summer. Price Chopper also is collecting food for Project Just Because and pet food for Baypath Humane Society. Look for the white collection bins in the store on West Main Street. …

The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Stroll is set for Saturday, Dec. 7. As part of the event, there will be 10 raffle drawings, with each winner getting a $300 cash prize. The day will wrap up with Santa Claus arriving via fire truck at the Town Common for caroling and the town tree lighting.

Bring back old Main Street

OK, guys, let’s end this engineering and construction practice downtown and give us our old Main Street back! Also, are the light structures going to need repainting every two years? (Lowest bid, I guess.)

— Bill and Alice Hamilton, Hopkinton

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

Officials confirm lanternfly infestation in town

In a recent email to town officials, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources confirmed an infestation of spotted lanternflies was present in Hopkinton.

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Survey teams spotted the invasive insects during a recent field survey. Jennifer Forman, an environmental biologist with MDAR, reported in the email that the team conducted its survey based on reports filed by residents.

Forman went on to note that MDAR workers and officials from the United States Department of Agriculture will be surveying parts of town over the next several weeks. They will continue monitoring throughout the fall and winter to determine the extent of the lanternfly infestation.

The spotted lanternflly is an invasive, planthopping insect from Asia that feeds on a variety of plants. Its preferred food source is tree-of-heaven (which also is invasive), but it is known to feed on grapevines, maple trees and hops vines as well.

Lanternflies can disrupt “agricultural commodities” and outdoor recreation depending on the severity of the infestation. Their waste product — a sugary, sticky excretion known as honeydew — can be a danger to the plants they feed on, as it encourages mold growth and feeding by other harmful insects.

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for the spotted lanternfly and report any sightings to MDAR.

Charleswood School NOI approved

The Conservation Commission at its meeting Oct. 8 unanimously approved the notice of intent for the proposed Charleswood Elementary School after the development team presented additional details regarding guidelines for the contractor.

Claire Hoogeboom, a wetlands scientist at LEC Environmental Consultants, represented the applicant. She discussed the proposed placement of permanent immovable barriers (PIBs) on the site, located at 147 Hayden Rowe Street. This had been an outstanding issue from a previous peer review. They will be placed at or near conservation areas as a protective measure, mostly at “turning points” in the road around the school.

Three of the PIBs will be placed at the front of the school at the buffer zone to the off-site pond, Hoogeboom explained. Two will be near the entrance to the school on Hayden Rowe Street, while two more will be at the side of the road going around the school.

Two more will be located on the opposite side of

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

After a spirited round of public comment from a packed room at the Hopkinton Senior Center on Oct. 9, the Board of Appeals voted to continue the hearing on a proposed gas station at 290 West Main Street until Nov. 13.

Residents showed up en masse to speak their minds during the hearing, which was intended to determine whether a variance request should be granted at the West Main Street property.

The lot currently is zoned as agricultural land. Rte 85 Realty Corp. — the potential developer of the site — is hoping to obtain a use variance for a country store and gas station.

The proposed 4,000-square-foot development would feature a store, four full-service gas pumps, four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, pollinator gardens and blueberry bush plantings that would serve as a transition to the wetlands west of the parcel.

Before the meeting started, Board of Appeals member Michael Riley set expectations on the purpose of the meeting and how board members would be evaluating the variance application.

“Our job is to not to vote on whether it’s a gas station, or an ice cream shop or whatever,” said Riley. “It’s whether the lot itself qualifies for a variance.”

In order to qualify for a variance, the applicant must prove there are conditions on the site, topographical or otherwise, that would result in “substantial hard-

the school near the athletic fields. Although the PIBs are not in the buffer zone, Hoogeboom said they would serve as a reminder of the isolated wetland and prevent creeping into the area.

Three educational signs and two “critter crossing” signs also were proposed, she said. Educational signs will be placed at the proposed rain garden and at the northeastern and southeastern corners of the play area near the detention basin. The “critter crossing” signs will be at the entrance and exit of the school.

Center School playground to close

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus recommended to the Select Board that the Center School playground be closed to the public, citing safety concerns.

While it has been a “nice neighborhood resource,” she said the playground has deteriorated beyond repair. Repairs would cost $50,000. She also said that because the future of the Center School is unknown at this time, it would not be wise to invest in the playground.

The Center School Trail still will be accessible, she said. There also are other playgrounds in town.

Misc.: Town counsel, labor counsel retained

The Select Board voted unanimously to retain the town’s current town counsel and labor council with the caveat that a plan for a market survey be put in place for fiscal year 2026.

There were some grumblings at a previous meeting by the public about town counsel’s role in the improperly redacted report regarding former Hopkinton Police Sgt. Timothy Brennan. This report had two instances where the information about the alleged survivor of alleged sexual assault by former HPD Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter two decades ago was revealed. …

The Select Board decided unanimously to rescind the rebate for residents who purchased bottled water over the past several months due to PFAS concerns. Now that the PFAS filtration system is operational at Well 6, the board decided there was no need to continue the rebate program. …

The Select Board voted unanimously to set the time for the Nov. 18 Special Town Meeting for 7 p.m. The main article for discussion will be the adoption of zoning to conform with the state’s MBTA Communities Act.

ship” to the applicant should they be forced to abide by the existing bylaws, according to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 10.

Additionally, the applicant must establish that getting relief from those zoning restrictions would not result in “substantial detriment to the public good.”

Neal Bingham, attorney for Rte 85 Realty, began the presentation by laying out his client’s case under these conditions.

He delved into the background of the property, and how Allan and Kathy O’Connor — the current owners — have had difficulty both with maintaining the agricultural business on the lot and finding prospective buyers.

The O’Connors ran the Evergreen Haven Garden Center on the corner of School Street and West Main Street for more than 30 years. They closed the business in 2022.

“What they want to get across to you is why it is simply impracticable to consider a use for the property that would be among those uses that are currently allowed under the bylaw,” said Bingham.

Citing high costs of living, the O’Connors’ advanced age and inability to find suitable buyers for the property before now, Bingham claimed the family was “suffering a serious financial hardship that requires some kind of relief.”

Allan O’Connor testified to Bingham’s last point, claiming that multiple brokers and developers had told him the property was not viable under the

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Veena Guni for this photo of a sparrow picking seeds out of a dried sunflower head in a Wood Street backyard. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@ hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

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

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

Gas station hearing continued

ing zoning.

Kevin Meehan — owner of Rte. 85 Realty — stated he believed his project would be a benefit to the town, and that he hoped the proposed gas station and country store would “bring something the town lost.”

Before the public comment period, board members asked questions about the proposed variance.

Associate member Shawn Masterson dug into the question of the property’s ownership and how the hardship translates to Rte 85 Realty.

According to documents filed with the Board of Appeals, the realty company is in agreement with the O’Connors but does not yet own the West Main Street lot. Masterson argued that the hardship being argued does not apply to the company because it does not yet own the property. Additionally, he cited concerns over lack of evidence that the owners had repeatedly been unsuccessful in finding a buyer before this project was proposed. He also pointed out that abutters purchased their property nearby with the understanding that the zoning was agricultural.

Residents speak their minds

Once the meeting opened up for public comment, dozens of residents provided testimony about the variance request.

While the majority of attendees spoke in opposition to the project, a handful offered support.

Resident Doug Hunt described the

proposal as “a positive for the overall community.” He cautioned the applicant, however, to remain clear about the number of gas pumps to be installed and to take the environmental and safety concerns into account.

The night was dominated by detractors of the plan, however. Many residents discussed how increased traffic and environmental hazards from gas tanks would create a detriment to the community.

Dicarlo Road resident Eric Green reported to the board that he and others had been in discussion with “hundreds and hundreds of Hopkinton residents” about the proposal. He offered into the record a petition featuring more than 900 signatures of those who oppose the project.

“Board members, please consider the voice of the public in your decision,” said Green.

Regarding the number of signatures collected, Meehan remarked: “Bottom line is, if there’s 1,000 people in the town who don’t want it, we’ll withdraw.”

Geoff Rowland, chair of the Sustainable Green Committee, spoke to the environmental concerns. He cited contamination issues that could spread far beyond the lot, given the area’s high water tables.

Rowland also described how EV usage in town has increased, and that the state has passed new laws to ban gaspowered vehicles by 2035. These factors would mitigate the need for an additional gas station in town.

The continuation of the meeting on Nov. 13 again will be held at the Senior Center.

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Planning Board plans Oct. 28 hearing on MBTA Communities article

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Planning Board at its meeting Sept. 7 voted unanimously to place the MBTA Communities article on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on Nov. 18.

The STM is being convened with the primary purpose of voting on whether Hopkinton will submit a plan to the state that complies with this zoning requirement. There are three plans under the Planning Board’s consideration, including the plan that was narrowly voted down at May’s Annual Town Meeting. The board will determine which plan or plans will go before the STM for its vote.

At the meeting’s start, Principal Planner John Gelcich explained that the board’s purpose that night was voting on whether to put the article on the warrant — not debating the merits of the three plans with the public.

Chair Rob Benson added that it was a “procedural vote,” and all members then voted in favor. He added that there will be a presentation on the plans and that he would take some public comment afterward.

Under the MBTA Communities statute, also referred to as 3A, 177 cities and towns that are in the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s service area need to approve new zoning to permit multifamily housing near public transportation options. The denser housing, in theory, would encourage more people to take the T and depend less on cars. It also would help meet the state’s demand for more housing.

Hopkinton has been designated as an MBTA-adjacent community because of its proximity to the Southborough commuter rail station. It would be required to zone for 750 housing units, a density of 15 units per acre for 50 developable acres.

Gelcich, was why Windsor Apartments and Legacy Farms were not included. He explained that they were developed under special permit that would not allow their inclusion.

Another was whether it would be prudent to wait for the outcome of Milton’s court case. Gelcich explained that Milton’s reasons for contesting compliance were different and not applicable to Hopkinton’s situation, one being that Milton is protesting being designated as a rapid transit community.

Molly Myers questioned why the first plan was being reconsidered if it was previously voted down, as did other residents of The Preserve. Myers said that “the will of the people” should be taken into consideration. Eric Wieland, a board member of The Preserve, pointed out that there was no way to predict the state’s reaction to the inclusion of parcels that likely would not be developed.

Benson said three plans were recommended by ZAC, and ZAC thought the first option was “a really good plan to begin with.”

“I would ask humbly that you trust us that we’re not playing games and we’re not trying anything malicious,” added member Parker Happ.

Member Lucia Lopez asked if any state grant funding lost would impact the town’s plan to connect to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority system. Gelcich said that while the MWRA does not award grants, a MassWorks grant was expected to be applied for and used toward the project. The topic will discussed in greater detail Oct. 28.

Charleswood School site plan approved

The board unanimously approved the Charleswood Elementary School’s major project site plan and stormwater management permit. It added 27 conditions and waived the administrative fees. It also unanimously approved waiving strict compliance with stormwater management compliance regulations.

Gelcich stressed that the regulations focus on creating zoning for this housing, not for actual housing development. If the town does not comply with passing a zoning plan by the end of the year, it could lose access to state grants and could be sued by the state, as is the case with Milton and Holden. Milton’s case had its first hearing earlier in the day, and no decision was reached.

Said Gelcich: “The town could build no units and still comply with the law because the zoning would be in place.”

Gelcich added that the MBTA Communities zoning would be considered an overlay district. This means that a developer could propose a project under either the current zoning or under the proposed overlay district.

The MBTA Communities law does not require an affordable housing component (a common misconception), but Hopkinton has an inclusionary zoning bylaw. The state law does require that age and unit size restrictions not be used, such as by creating an over-55 development.

The Planning Board will discuss the three zoning options recommended by the Zoning Advisory Committee at a special hearing Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. There will be time for questions to be addressed.

All three proposals contain a downtown zoning subdistrict of varying size. The first proposal, called Upper Cedar Street, includes The Preserve, Carbone’s Restaurant and two nearby properties. The second one includes the Indian Brook condominium complex. The third contains the Walcott Valley condominium complex as well as Carbone’s Restaurant and its two abutting properties.

One common question, according to

Chris Eberly, the project manager from Vertex, provided updates on the proposal for the Charleswood School. He told the board that the development team would remove its objection to the raised channelized intersection at the exit to the school, located at 147 Hayden Rowe Street, so that a left turn would not be allowed. He asked that it be noted in a special condition by the board.

Gelcich and Benson disagreed, noting that the language should be open-ended and the decision left to project experts. Eberly agreed.

Benson Road hearing continued

The hearing regarding 0 Benson Road was continued in a 6-3 vote after board members determined they needed more information regarding the proposed construction of a single-family home on land that was supposed to have been donated to the Hopkinton Area Land Trust two decades ago. HALT no longer wants the land.

Donna Wolf, the attorney for property owner George Comeau, present the plan again, stressing the consideration for neighbors. Consultant Joe Marquedant said an effort is being made to preserve as many mature trees as possible. Wolf also mentioned swapping the parcel in question with another parcel for Planning Board | 7

HCA kicks off Friday Night Sing-Alongs for adults with disabilities

Sing-alongs | from page 1

said, ‘You know, these kids are there all day, and they don’t really have any music or art or anything like that.’ ”

Added Grill: “I’m a big believer in the arts not being a nice-to-have. They are a must-have for all of us in that they promote so much growth. There’s the socialization aspect, the mental health piece, the adrenaline that just flows and makes you feel better.”

While educators struggle to retain arts programs in the schools, “now it’s about the adults,” she stressed.

“What was happening was we had some students who were between the ages of 18-22,” she said. “But once they reached 23 and they were out of the program, we started learning from the teachers and parents that there just wasn’t anything for them after that.

“During the pandemic, we learned how critical it was to connect and not be isolated,” she continued. “There is a hunger to get that spark back when you get together and create something.”

She praised the Michael Lisnow Respite Center for the support it offers this

population. But for those who cannot find a place in a respite center or some kind of employment, life can be challenging.

“We realized we needed to expand the programming to beyond ages 18-22 and make it open to everyone,” she said, noting that feedback from parents was critical in designing HCA’s programming.

Grill wrote a few grants and reached out to a few contacts she thought might be interested in collaborating with the HCA. The Rosner Foundation, a family foundation, provided funding for HCA programming for people with disabilities for an entire year.

Dell EMC, a major supporter of the HCA, stepped up its support so that programs could be created to include adults with disabilities. While classes targeting this population occur during the day, inclusive events are offered at night.

Friday Night Sing-Alongs is being directed by Emily Vincent, a professional music teacher who graduated from Berklee College of Music. She teaches students with various disabilities at the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education.

“The message here is you are perfect just the way you are,” Grill stressed.

As for the music selection, Grill said that while Vincent “can play anything, there’s obviously going to be a lot of Taylor Swift.”

Added Grill: “I see adults learning to find their voice because they are in a supportive environment.”

Commenting on Sept. 23 on the first sing-along, Grill stated, “It went really well. We had visitors from as far as Maynard!”

She added that a parent gave her the following quote: “Having these programs at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts fulfills a dream of mine because now my son has a community and a sense of belonging.”

In addition to the monthly sing-along nights, there are open mic nights once a month, Grill added.

“The first open mic night blew me away,” she said. “The singers have so much talent.”

A music class and dance class welcome people of all ages and abilities. Also, a new theater class is about to

start, which will lead to an upcoming performance.

“This has really blossomed,” she said of the inclusion effort. “Hopkinton, Holliston and Westborough residents come weekly for a class in visual art, music or dance. Ashland joined the program this year, which is really exciting.”

The socialization aspect is key to the success of these programs because it builds confidence, Grill said. Offering lunch or pizza at night events gives participants a chance to make friends in a supportive environment.

Grill personally experienced this excitement when she was a Hopkinton High School student, she said. She “watched the clock” so that she could gather with her friends in the theater program after school.

Stressed Grill: “What I love is there’s so much evidence out there that the arts are so important for our social and emotional health.”

Friday Night Sing-Alongs will continue on Oct. 18, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20 in the second-floor loft, which is ADA accessible. For more information, visit the HCA website (hopartscenter.org).

Budget season kicks off with caution from town officials

history” of the town department budgets will be available for Select Board review, Lazarus said.

She added that she will be submitting a comprehensive town budget to the Select Board in January along with the School Department budget and the capital plan. The Select Board will meet with department heads as it reviews the proposed budget. Metrics will need to be presented along with the budget requests.

CFO presents grim picture of finances

LaPierre estimated that the town would have an estimated balance of $10 million in free cash. At the same time, she pointed out that the repayment of the town’s principal debt and principal of interest is “almost doubling” to $13 million. This amount will continue to rise over

subsequent fiscal years.

She recommended transferring $700,000 into the stabilization fund, as was done last year. This would be equal to 5% of the town’s operating budget.

LaPierre said that budget requests from the town at this point are over $10 million, with one line item for $6.5 million. She said budget requests will have to be reviewed “item by item” to determine how necessary they are at this time.

This budget is being balanced with free cash rather than “recurring sources for recurring uses,” which LaPierre said was not the way it should be done, according to the town’s financial policy. The town could make an exception for FY 26 or take an even more aggressive approach at cutting expenses.

Another factor that will impact the budget is that there are eight different union contracts that will be negotiated this year, she added.

“We’re doing the best that we can with

this estimated budget this early on in the process,” she summarized. “But those are the highlights for us to consider.”

Board discusses budget approach

Member Mary Jo LaFreniere said she recommended a level-funded budget approach rather than a level-service one. She noted that residents have come to her saying that because Town Meeting approved overrides and expensive projects, “It’s time to pay the piper.”

She added that she would rather give relief to the elderly and those in need.

Member Joe Clark disagreed, saying that the starting point should be a level-service budget. He said the approach should be “very granular” when department budget requests are reviewed.

Member Amy Ritterbusch agreed with Clark, noting the importance of town

services to the residents. She did point out that the town has not grown as rapidly this year than as in past years. She also wanted to know what state grants the town would not have access to if the town decided not to pass the zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Act.

Because residents are “super concerned” about the budget, member Shahidul Mannan agreed with both the levelservice and bottom-up approaches to budgeting. But he added that he “didn’t want to deprive any urgent need to overshoot.”

Chair Brian Herr noted that this preliminary budget included the customary 2.5% increase over the previous year. He explained that the budget affects the town’s bond rating, which in turn affects interest rates and the town’s ability to borrow money. LaPierre noted that even if that number were reduced, operating expenses are growing faster than 2.5%.

The board voted 5-0 to adopt the recommended budget message.

open space. The address, 25 Rocky Woods Road, “is next to current open space land” and is nearly an acre in size.

Member Jane Moran explained that any proposal regarding open space should be presented to the Open Space Preservation Commission. Wolf said she has not gone before the OSPC and suggested a joint site walk for Planning Board and OSPC members.

Members expressed concern about setting a precedent of allowing a change to a prior board’s decision for a land swap. The board decided to get more information from the applicant’s future presentation to the OSPC and the site walk before making a final decision.

Wilson Street damage hearing continued

The

of Peter Bemis, the

Local Boy Scout troops venture to Alaska, Mount Katahdin

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

H

igh adventure was the theme of the summer for Boy Scout troops in Hopkinton. Troop 1 and Troop 4 explored the wilderness on opposite coasts, challenging themselves and building lifelong skills along the way.

Troop 1 Hopkinton’s high adventure trip was an exercise in patience and flexibility.

In July, 11 Scouts and 5 adults from the troop spent 10 days backpacking and canoeing in southern Alaska. The troop organized the trip through the Northern Lights High Adventure Base, which is associated with the Midnight Sun Council in Fairbanks, Alaska.

The trip began without issue in Denali State Park, just north of Anchorage. In the park, the group spent three days hiking the Kesugi Ridge Trail.

The Scouts hiked 18 miles of the 29-mile trail. Along the way, they were treated to scenic views of the nearby Denali National Park and Preserve.

“We had good views of the area,” said Tenderfoot Finn Ayube, who joined the trip. “We could see the bottom of

Denali.”

“It was cloudy so we couldn’t see the peak,” added Troop 1 Scoutmaster Ryan McDaniel.

After finishing up their hike, the Scouts planned to move over into the

national park. However, they were forced to change plans due to ongoing wildfires, opting to camp elsewhere instead.

The next leg of the trip was a twoday canoe trip up the Delta-Clearwater River and into the Tanana River.

Ayube remarked that the difference in the water as they crossed into the Tanana River from the Delta-Clearwater River was “unbelievable.”

While the crew enjoyed great scenery and encounters with wildlife while on the water, it was met with challenges as well. The Scouts were forced to be resourceful after their canoes became stuck on debris and capsized.

In the final leg of the journey, the group hiked for three days around the Gulkana Glacier and then toured Fairbanks.

Getting home was an adventure for Troop 1 as well. The group became stuck in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport when Microsoft outages disrupted flights nationwide.

Ayube said his father — who accompanied him on the trip — found a solution to this problem.

“Thanks to my dad’s ingenuity,

we got to rent some cars,” Ayube said. “We were some of the last people to get a car.”

Despite the challenges, Troop 1 looks forward to its next trip. McDaniel says he hopes to take his Scouts to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 2026.

“We try to do high adventure [trips] every other year,” he said.

Troop 4 treks Mount Katahdin

In early September, Troop 4 Hopkinton headed to Maine to tackle the summit of Mount Katahdin.

The Scouts hiked Maine’s highest mountain as part of a revolving series of hikes. Troop 4 runs a “six highest peaks of New England” program to give Scouts more hiking opportunities.

“The program was started in 2018,” said Troop 4 assistant Scoutmaster Charusmitha Ram. “We want every Scout to have an opportunity to complete these [hikes] through their course to Eagle Scout.”

For each hike the Scouts do, they

Troop 1 Hopkinton members hiking Kesugi Ridge in Alaska’s Denali State Park include (from left) Finn Ayube, Evan McDaniel, Srivar Yerramsetti, James Kayan, Keith Charlton and Shawn Ayube, led by Northern Lights High Adventure Base guide Ben Ganshorn (right).

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in

If you’re planning to retire in a few years, are you looking forward to it? Or are you somewhat apprehensive? Are you asking yourself: “What sort of retirement can I afford?”

It’s a good question — because the answer can make a big difference in your ability to enjoy life as a retiree. And retirement can indeed be enjoyable, exciting and fun. Consider this from a recent survey by Edward Jones and AgeWave: A majority of respondents said retirement should be looked at as a whole new chapter of life, and not just a time for rest and relaxation. In other words, people are viewing retirement as a chance for new experiences and new opportunities, rather than a time to simply wind down. But if you’re going to make the most of your retirement — which could last two or even three decades — you need to be financially prepared.

This preparation can involve many steps, but here are some of the key ones:

• Decide what your retirement lifestyle will look like. How you choose to spend your retirement years can make a big difference in the financial resources you’ll need. For example, if you plan on traveling the world, you might need more

income than if you were to stay close to home and pursue your hobbies. If you can envision your retirement lifestyle and estimate how much money you’ll need to support it, you can help reduce some of the uncertainties you might face once you do retire.

• Review your income sources. During retirement, you’ll likely need to draw on all your income sources, so it’s a good idea to know what you’ll have available, such as your IRA, 401(k) and other investment accounts. You’ll also need to decide when to take Social Security — if you wait until your full retirement age (probably between 66 and 67), you’ll get much larger monthly benefits than if you started taking them at 62. And here’s another variable: earned

income. Even if you’ve retired from your career, you might, if you desire, use your acquired skills in a consulting or part-time position. The more you can earn, the less you may have to withdraw from your investment accounts and the better position you’ll be in to delay taking Social Security.

• Consider adjusting your investment portfolio. For most of your working years, you may have invested mostly for growth — to increase your assets as much as possible. But growth-oriented investments are also, by nature, riskier, so when you retire, you should review your portfolio to determine whether you need to move it toward a more conservative position. Also, more conservative investments may provide more current income

in the form of interest payments. However, even in retirement, you may need some investments with growth potential if you want to keep ahead of inflation. Retirement is certainly a major milestone in your life — and adjusting to it can take some time. But there will be much less to fear — and much more to enjoy — if you’ve done what you can to prepare yourself financially.

Thrift shop volunteers upset that hours no longer count toward senior tax credit

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff writer

Resident Linda Kimball alerted the Select Board at its Sept. 17 meeting about the ramifications of a provision in the state’s senior tax credit policy on volunteers with the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors.

In her comments, she stressed that the volunteer hours for about 15 residents no longer will be accepted by the state toward an exemption of their property tax bills. She explained that legislation changed so that volunteers for nonprofit organizations could not count their hours towards the tax credit if they were performed in a fundraising capacity.

Kimball questioned why the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors were not given more notice, why the state or town could not exempt such a small program, and why officials knew little about the impact the organization has had in serving the needs for Hopkinton’s seniors.

‘Nobody

realized what we do’

In a recent interview with the Independent, Kimball said she has made it a personal quest to obtain answers and a possible exemption. Other concerned senior volunteers have joined her efforts.

“The lack of notifications is what gets to me,” said Kimball, who runs the financial aspects of the thrift shop. “There were lots of apologies but no real answers.”

She explained that the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization under which the thrift shop operates. “The Friends group is the avenue used to raise funds for transportation and nutrition programs, functions and events that are not covered under the Senior Services budget,” according to the town’s website.

Kimball, the vice president of the Friends, questioned why Amy Beck, the Senior Center’s director, was notified a week before the volunteers. She wished Beck could have advocated more ardently on their behalf.

“The state doesn’t know what to do with us because we are a tiny nonprofit that started in the basement of Town Hall,” she added.

Marlene Troupes helped start the thrift shop. She explained in a recent interview that qualified older residents previously could volunteer 100 hours to receive $1,500 off of their property tax bill. For this year, Troupes said the program was modified so that seniors could volunteer 134 hours and receive a $2,000 credit.

“When we first started, we would use the thrift shop money to get gas for the senior van,” she said. “We would have book sales and jewelry sales to benefit programs for seniors. We also add additional money to the coffers of the lunch program.”

In the beginning, Kimball said, the Select Board advised the thrift store to be included under the umbrella of the Friends. Being part of a nonprofit would allow it to raise funds. But this decision has had unintended consequences 35 years later.

So far this year, Kimball said the thrift shop has raised $10,000 toward Senior Center programming. She hopes it can garner $13,000 by year’s end. Last year’s holiday fundraiser, the key event, pulled in over $7,000, according to Kimball.

Kimball hoped some of the money raised this year could purchase flu shots for the Health Services Department, which also is strapped for cash.

Since her Select Board appearance, Kimball said she participated in a meeting with John Neas, the town assessor, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus and a member of the Human Resources Department.

“They were floored when I told them we bought a $45,000 car to help seniors with the money we raised,” said Kimball, a former schoolteacher. “Nobody realized what we do.”

Next, Kimball approached the state’s Executive Office for Administration and Finance.

“I was told that because other nonprofits were

taking advantage, that’s why the law was created,” she said.

She added that Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka’s office called attorneys on the thrift store’s behalf but was told “nothing could be done.” Kimball also called state Rep. James ArenaDeRosa’s office and was told that while a bill could be written, “It would take 10 years for it to pass.”

Volunteers ‘deflated’

“This kind of hit us out of the blue,” said Gail Tonelli, the coordinator of the thrift shop since it first opened. “We were notified on Sept. 4 that our volunteer hours in the thrift shop would no longer count for the tax credit as of Sept. 9 because the state law had changed.”

Even though she moved to Medway recently, Tonelli still manages the thrift shop because it has become a significant part of her life.

“The money goes nowhere else but to programming for the seniors,” Tonelli stressed. “I am heartbroken for the thrift shop volunteers.”

The average volunteer is in their 70s or 80s, she said. She described them as “a little family.”

“There are 12 people who volunteer the same shift each week,” she said, noting they work threehour shifts three or four days a week. “It makes them still feel like a vital part of the town.”

Tonelli described their mood as “deflated.” She said many are afraid they may have to leave Hopkinton because of the high property taxes.

One volunteer told Tonelli she was willing to picket in front of the Senior Center if it would convince officials of the significance of the program.

“This really pushed her over the edge,” she said. “She said she might as well quit, go buy a rocking chair and get old.”

“For most people in Hopkinton, this isn’t much money,” Troupes stressed. “But $2,000 means the word to us.”

Center director provides some clarification

Beck spoke with the Independent via Zoom on Sept. 30. She wanted to clarify some misconceptions about the situation.

“First of all, I should preface this by saying that this is one of many tax programs that are given to seniors in town,” she explained. “We have a whole book that the assessor’s office has put together.”

She noted that older volunteers are considered employees of the town and are given the minimum wage of $15 per hour for the time they volunteered as a tax credit on their bill.

“I think Hopkinton has done a great job trying to give as much back to the seniors in this capacity,” Beck continued. “It’s unfortunate that the Friends, because of their nonprofit status, are in the situation they are.”

Stressed Beck: “All of the monies they have raised go to support the Senior Center, and we’re very grateful for what they do.”

Beck also spoke with other senior center directors about using Friends volunteers as tax credit workers. “[I] was told that we couldn’t, as it was illegal, which is what we were told by the assessor’s office.”

Beck emphasized that the thrift shop itself has not been cut. People still can volunteer there but not receive senior tax credit hours. They also can volunteer in other capacities at the Senior Center for tax credit hours. Currently, she said there are more than 100 Senior Center volunteers.

“As soon as we got the ruling, we were brainstorming other areas where volunteers can help,” Beck said. “Many of them already do. And many of them have volunteered to stay with the Friends.”

Beck also explained that the hours already volunteered at the thrift shop were not in vain. The tax credit program runs from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024. Everything earned up through Sept. 9 still can be applied to the tax bill.

Heating tips to help save money

Alexandra McKernan

Ryan McKernan

As temperatures start to drop and the vibrant foliage transforms our neighborhoods, it’s the perfect time to cozy up your home for the fall season. It’s important to keep your space warm and inviting, and here are some easy heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) tips to help you stay comfortable as the leaves change colors.

Reverse ceiling fans Did you know that ceiling fans can help in the winter, too? By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan blades to clockwise, you can gently push warm air down from the ceiling into the living space. This simple adjustment can improve circulation and make your rooms feel warmer without increasing your heating costs.

Change filters Regular heating maintenance is crucial for ensuring your system operates smoothly throughout the season. The most important thing you can do as a homeowner is to change your air filters to ensure proper air flow.

Harness the heat with heat pumps

One of the most efficient ways to heat your home is with a cold-climate heat pump. Start by choosing a certified Mass Save heat pump installer who specializes in installing these energyefficient systems that not only keep your home warm but also save you money on energy bills. Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it, making them incredibly efficient even in chilly Massachusetts winters.

Ensure unobstructed air flow

Check that your radiators and heating vents are not blocked by furniture, drapes or other objects. Blocked air flow can reduce the efficiency of your heating system and prevent rooms from reaching their desired temperature. Keeping these areas clear allows for optimal heat distribution throughout your home.

Seal in the warmth — Before the cold really sets in, take some time to inspect your windows and doors for drafts. Simple weather stripping or caulking can make a big difference in keeping warm air inside where it belongs. Mass Save also offers assistance with air sealing and insulation at very low costs.

For more information on exploring your home’s heat pump options, contact:

Alexandra McKernan, Co-owner

Ryan McKernan, Co-owner

Pro Comfort Control A/C & Heating Installation 508-955-4776 Framingham, MA Info@ProComfortControl.com ProComfortControl.com

Local Boy Scout troops venture to Alaska, Mount Katahdin

“Bouldering down definitely took a while,” Parthasarathy added.

receive a patch for their uniform. The other mountains included in the program are Mount Washington, Mount Mansfield in Vermont, Jerimoth Hill in Rhode Island, Bear Mountain in Connecticut and Mount Greylock.

Climbing Katahdin required time and patience. Troop 4 got on the hiking trail early, prepared for 5.5 miles of trail and 3,800 feet of elevation gain.

“We had to wake up at 5 a.m., and we got back at 7 or 8 at night,” said Navin Parthasarathy, a second-class Scout who was on the hike.

The crew faced steep inclines up and down the trail. Ram reported that most of the elevation gain occurred in the last 2 miles.

“It was very rocky,” said Life Scout Thomas Donahue.

At the top, the group stopped to eat lunch and take in the views. Donahue continued a small tradition of his — cooking ramen on a backpacking stove while on the summit.

For the 16-year-old Donahue, Katahdin was the last hike he needed to complete the six-peak program. However, he’s open to repeating a hike or two.

“It could be fun to do Mansfield again,” Donahue said, “for sentimental reasons.”

Those interested in learning more about these high adventure trips or the Scouting program can contact Karen Bograd from Troop 1 at committee chair@troop1hopkinton.org or Troop 4 at troop4hopkinton.com/contact-us.

Members of Troop 4 pose for a photo at the top of Mount Katahdin.

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BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Boston Honey Company as busy as their bees

The Reseska Family has been as busy as the thousands of bees that live in their hives and produce the honey-based products sold at their Boston Honey Company store, located at 45 Chestnut Street in Holliston.

“We have a lot of things going on at the farm store,” said Evan Reseska, operations director for the company founded 20 years ago by his parents, Andy and Addie. Boston Honey Company has more than 3,500 colonies of bees gathering nectar across Eastern Massachusetts and New York, allowing the company to produce artisanal honeys, beeswax candles and honey-based skin care products, all sold at the farm store and online.

A unique aspect of Boston Honey is its connection with local customers and the community. Evan noted the store, which was established in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, always has had outdoor areas where people can gather to enjoy ice cream, play cornhole and observe life at the apiary.

“We are adding new gathering places outdoors and an event space that people can rent for small gatherings like birthday parties,” said Evan. “People who rent out the space can tour our facilities. They can see what goes on behind the scenes and what it takes to produce a jar of honey.”

He added that in the near future, those renting the space, along with all customers, will be able to enjoy beer and wine, since Boston Honey is applying for a liquor license.

Visitors to the store can now enjoy Crescent Ridge ice cream from May to November. The locally produced treat “brings back memories for many customers,” said Evan, as “some even had their milk delivered by the dairy.” Boston

Honey offers a variety of flavors including the popular Coffee Oreo and Graham Central Station while switching out seasonal selections. The fall flavor is pumpkin, which according to Evan, “tastes like a creamy slice of pumpkin pie.”

With the summer and fall honey harvested, the store is filling up for the holidays.

“We have an assortment of local holiday-themed gift boxes perfect for giving to loved ones,” said Evan. “We also offer custom gift wrapping.”

Always popular are the cleanburning beeswax candles, which, Evan notes, “Mom makes mostly by hand,” using filtered wax from the hives. The naturally honey-scented candles are crafted into tapers, columns and shapes like tulips and pine cones.

Addie also helps make the beeswaxbased soaps, creams and lip balms.

“With our new equipment, we can make larger batches and more varieties,” said Evan.

Newer lines include plain and peppermint lip balm, and plain and lavender skin cream.

Additionally, the store is fully stocked with mono-floral, blended, raw and comb honeys in jars or gift packs.

“People are often surprised at how different the mono-florals look and taste,” said Evan, who enjoys Japanese knotweed honey as part of a charcuterie board.

Those interested in seeing all the Boston Honey Company products can visit the Holliston store Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., or online at BostonHoneyCompany.com.

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

With the summer and fall harvest in, the Boston Honey Company store at 45 Chestnut Street in Holliston is fully stocked with artisanal honeys, beeswax candles and honey-based skin care products. Shown among their wares are the company’s founders, Addie and Andy Reseska, with their son, Evan, operations director.

Bryan Brown helps clients achieve homeownership

Bryan Brown is excited about the changes in his office. Not only has the name of his firm changed to Rate, but the direct mortgage lender has expanded the services it offers clients.

“Along with rebranding nationally, Rate is emphasizing simplicity and customer service,” said Brown, the Hopkinton branch manager. “We have always done a good job serving our clients, but now we offer more than traditional first mortgages.”

Those offerings include home equity loans and lines of credit, reverse mortgages, personal loans, insurance, financing for non-traditional buyers plus financial and personal wellness products.

“Our customer service is mindful of the whole person,” said Brown.

Rate also emphasizes the speed and ease of its mortgage process.

“I consider us a technology leader in the mortgage space,” said Brown. “By accessing our clients’ financial data online, with their authorization, we have turned what was typically a painful, arduous process into a simple, easy transaction. It is also very fast. We can easily close a mortgage in less than two weeks as compared to the usual 45-60 days.”

“We also offer our clients very competitive interest rates,” said Brown, who noted he and six members of the Bryan Brown team — a loan officer, business development coordinator and four loan managers/processors — are committed to finding the best mortgage solutions for their customers.

This client-centered approach has paid off for Brown, who notes, “I am one of the top lenders in Hopkinton.”

From his office at 85 Main Street in the old high school building, where he says he “enjoys being downtown and walking to grab a coffee,” to his involve-

Bryan Brown, Hopkinton branch manager of Rate, a direct mortgage broker, enjoys helping clients achieve their dream of homeownership. Brown is shown on the left with Wendy Storm, business development coordinator, and Nick MacDonald, loan officer.

ment in the community, Brown is happy to call Hopkinton home.

Moving to town with his wife and three children in 2015 and establishing his business in Hopkinton two years later, Brown has been an active community member ever since. A board member of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce for seven years, most recently serving as vice president, he helped found the Hopkinton BNI chapter, a networking group. Brown also supports Project Just Because throughout the year.

Currently serving his second year as president of Hopkinton Youth Football, Brown has seen the program grow to about 150 players, including his two young sons.

“It is really exciting to see the kids having fun,” said Brown, who played middle linebacker during high school and at Bentley University, where he earned a degree in finance. He also played one year of semi-professional football in Germany.

Brown became a mortgage broker following his return from Germany in 2003. Two of his college friends introduced him to the business.

“Everything I know about mortgages I learned on the job,” said Brown.

Speaking about his 20-year career, he said, “I love helping people achieve homeownership. I really enjoy working with my clients and all the great referral partners — real estate agents and lawyers and financial advisers — in my professional network.”

Anyone interested in more information can contact Brown at 978-870-7138 or Bryan.Brown@Rate.com.

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

Fine, Baldiga named Super Lawyers

David Fine and Joseph Baldiga, both Hopkinton residents who work at Mirick O’Connell, were selected to the 2024 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list.

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

specialty subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers.

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

Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

scHools

School shooting hoax leads to restricted use of facilities

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

H

opkinton Public Schools Super-

intendent Carol Cavanaugh announced that residential use of Hopkinton High School’s athletic facilities will be restricted during the regular school day in light of a swatting incident.

In an email to families and residents, Cavanaugh explained that the decision arose because of a swatting incident on Oct. 1. HHS principal Evan Bishop announced that day that the school was ordered to shelter in place after police received a call about an “alleged active shooter” in the building.

The incident, Cavanaugh stated, “called police, fire and school officials away from their work to answer to what proved to be an unnerving hoax.”

Another factor in her decision was a recent incident on Loop Road during when “someone got uncomfortably close to a group of students in one of our PE/Wellness classes.”

“The schools, along with our police partners, have reviewed these events,” explained Cavanaugh. “Accordingly, in an effort to better ensure student safety, we are asking that residents refrain from using the HHS track and fields as well as the tennis and basketball courts during the regular school day, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.”

Added Cavanaugh: “We understand this may interrupt people’s regular exercise routines; however, student safety must be paramount to all else in the Hopkinton Public Schools.”

She thanked the community for understanding this policy change.

Hoax leads to lockdown

The swatting incident was quickly

recognized to be a likely hoax.

“This morning, at approximately 11:13 a.m., the Hopkinton Police Department received a call that referred to an alleged active shooter at Hopkinton High School,” stated Evan Bishop, the HHS principal, in an Oct. 1 email to parents. “The police reported immediately to the high school, assessed the situation to be a hoax, swept the building, and determined the building to be clear.”

Stressed Bishop: “Everyone is safe. There was never any shooter or threat to the building.”

Once the school received the call from HPD, “the school was immediately placed into shelter-in-place,” Bishop stated. “During this time, no one was allowed to enter or exit the building, and students and staff were contained in their classrooms.”

HPD Sgt. Scott van Raalten added Oct. 2 in a release that “dispatch received a report a male subject had killed two people at Hopkinton High School and was currently in a second-floor restroom.”

He added that the HPD Communications Department recognized indicators of a hoax. Police arrived quickly, swept the building and deemed that it was secure within about 10 minutes.

Bishop also recognized the anxiety that has been triggered by this scare to the entire community, particularly to students, parents and staff.

“Please know that at every moment this morning, our top priority was the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” he stated. “We take any and all reports of potential threats seriously, and we make every effort to maintain an environment where students and staff feel safe.”

Counseling services were to be available for anyone who needed support in processing the event.

“We continue to encourage our students and school community to report anything that could constitute a threat to school safety,” stated Bishop. He noted that the school system works in close partnership with the HPD and the Hopkinton Fire Department and thanked them both for their efforts.

Bishop noted that swatting incidents such as this unfortunately are “not uncommon” now.

“[S]chools in Massachusetts have received internet-based phone calls conveying threats, all of which have been unsubstantiated,” he stated.

Added Van Raalten: “Swatting is a criminal act where false reports of an emergency are made to provoke a large-scale law enforcement action. Swatting is a serious offense, and the Hopkinton Police Department is actively investigating the source of the call. The perpetrator(s) could face significant legal consequences, including felony charges for making a false report. This was reported to the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center, as swatting has been an ongoing problem since the start of school across Massachusetts and the country.”

District excels in Niche rankings of schools nationwide

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Hopkinton had an impressive showing at the local, state and national level in the 2025 Niche Best Schools K-12 rankings.

In Massachusetts, Hopkinton ranked No. 1 of 233 for Districts with Best Teachers, 5 of 217 for Best School District, 7 of 237 for Best Places to Teach and 103 of 216 for Best School District for Athletes.

At the national level, Hopkinton was 70th out of 11,116 districts for Best Teachers in America, 96th of 10,561 schools for Best School District and 195th of 11,406 for Best Places to Teach in America.

Additionally in the Boston area and Middlesex County, the district ranked No. 1 for Best Teachers.

Boston-area rankings also included other top 10 finishes: fifth for Best School District and sixth for Best Places to Teach.

The Middlesex County breakdown

had Hopkinton ranked No. 2 in Best Places to Teach and No. 4 for Best School District.

Niche has nearly 2.5 million school reviews from students, parents and teachers who were surveyed about everything from college preparation to cafeteria food. Each rank is a balance between statistical information garnered from numerous sources including the Department of Education and practical relevance, according to the website.

One change this year was that all SAT/ACT related factors were removed from the rankings because of less weight placed upon testing nationwide.

Hopkinton High School was given an overall Niche grade of A-plus as well as A-plus for academics and teaching; A for clubs and activities, college preparation and administration; and B-plus for diversity and resources and facilities.

Only “food” got a lower grade with a B-minus.

scHools

In wake of swatting incident, cell phone access reviewed

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

In her superintendent’s report to the School Committee on Oct. 10, Carol Cavanaugh referred to the Oct. 2 swatting incident at the high school. A false 911 call was made to police, saying a shooter was in the building. The school community was put in “shelter in place” mode.

“There was never any shooter or threat,” Cavanaugh explained. She noted police swept the building and assessed the call as a hoax. (See Page 14 for more details on the incident.)

The superintendent spoke about the situation in terms of how it related to cell phone use in an emergency. She outlined reasons cell phone use is discouraged and how it can complicate the work of law enforcement.

She said students having phones in emergency situations such as this one can lead to misinformation, compromise law enforcement’s tactical advantages, result in parental flocking (heading to the scene), and prohibit access of emergency responders from Hopkinton and surrounding communities.

Student inattentiveness is another factor. In cases of evacuation, etc., students need to listen to directions and not be distracted by their phones, she explained.

“I know this is super hard,” Cavanaugh said. “As a parent and grandparent, I’d be just sick if I knew safety was compromised.”

But after serving on a safety task force for several years, the superintendent said, she understands safety can get even further compromised by cell phone use.

She said parents did not flock to the school, but some did pick up their students. It did not cause undo congestion, however.

Chair Nancy Cavanaugh said when the shelter in place, was occurring, there were a lot of social media conversations.

School Committee member Kyla McSweeney asked how information can get out to parents, noting she had been approached by several people.

The superintendent said she is working on it, and police suggest no cell phones even as parents and students are being reconnected.

“I know it is difficult asking people not to have communication,” Carol Cavanaugh said.

Hopkins project update provided

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich presented a progress report on the addition/renovation project at the Hopkins School.

The project is on schedule, she said, and work to date has included geothermal well drilling (75% done); infiltration system installation by Welch, the site contractor; fence line adjustment and recess area expansion; and the start of excavation and sub-base preparation for footings and foundation walls.

She said Marguerite Concrete started form work rebar installation, with the first concrete poured Sept. 30. Rothermich reviewed the schedule that has sub-

stantial completion of the addition by February 2026; renovation, site work and final completion of the building by mid Aug. 2026; and school ready for students on Aug. 21, 2026.

The assistant superintendent also talked about the budget for the project. The total is $52.4 million, with commitments to date amounting to $14.9 million (28.6%).

The architect, with a $3.5 million contract, has expenditures to date of $2.2 million (62%).

The owner’s project manager, with a $2 million contract, has spent $430,612 (21%).

The construction contract value is $39.2 million, and billings minus retainage of 5% total $1.2 million (3%).

Board approves capital plan for FY 26

Rothermich once again presented the list of capital requests for fiscal year 2026, repeating the presentation from the last meeting. The one change is that the Marathon Adaptive Playground designer, BETA, brought forward three draft proposals for the work ranging from $1.6 million to $2.1 million.

She said timing issues meant a grant request had to be submitted to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) prior to the Adaptive Playground Committee meeting on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.

Members can “swap out elements and make decisions,” Rothermich said, once they hear the designer’s presentation.

The other capital items are replacements for the following: $735,000 for heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) at the middle school and high school; $200,000 for storefront entry doors at the middle school; $60,000 for a campus sewer cover behind the high school; and $100,000 for system technology upgrades.

The committee voted 4-0 (Susan Stephenson was absent) to approve the plan.

Grants, student travel approved

Carol Cavanaugh spoke about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B and Part C grants, both FY 25 federal entitlement grants. They amounted to $977,416 and $25,107, respectively, and were accepted by votes of the School Committee.

In other business, the committee approved requests for student travel. These included the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference in Norwood from March 8-9, and the BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando from May 7-11, 2025.

Permission also was given for travel to the VEX Robotics Worlds (competition) in Dallas from May 5-8. Additionally, the board agreed to replace the Magic The Gathering Club at Hopkinton Middle School (which has been vacant for two years) with The Legendary Card Alliance Club. The club comes with a stipend of $556.

“Our clubs are student generated, and it is wonderful,” the superintendent noted.

District excels in Niche rankings of schools nationwide

Rankings | from page 14

HHS was ranked No. 8 in Best Public High Schools in the state.

Niche noted that state test scores showed 83% of HHS students at least proficient in math and 87% in reading.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said that she is very pleased to see the teachers ranked No. 1 again in Massachusetts, repeating last year’s ranking.

“They work amazingly hard to ensure that every student gets what they need,” she said.

Referring to the district’s No. 5 ranking in the state, the superintendent noted, “We have a lot to cel-

ebrate. Hopkinton unwaveringly supports its children and its public schools.”

She attributed the high rankings to a district-wide commitment to excellence “from every single person who works in the [Hopkinton public schools] and who attends school here.”

Added Hopkinton Teachers Association president Becky Abate: “The Hopkinton Teachers Association, as always, [is] proud of the educators who serve the needs of the students of Hopkinton every day with enthusiasm and excellence. We are also proud of our students for the hard work and strong character they demonstrate both in and out of the classroom.”

sports Challenging schedule can’t slow Hillers girls volleyball

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Few high school volleyball teams were as happy to see the calendar flip from September to October as Hopkinton. The Hillers played nearly threefourths of their schedule in the opening month, playing nearly a match every other day. But the Hillers did not let the jam-packed slate slow them down, winning 10 of 14 to start the year.

“We are around where we had hoped we would be at the start of the year,” said coach Emma Sweetapple. “It’s nice to only have six matches in October so we can work on a lot of stuff before we head into the postseason.”

The fact that Hopkinton has a veteran squad better enabled the team to successfully navigate its gauntlet of a schedule.

“We are lucky to have 10 returning players, and the majority of them have been together for the last two or three years,” Sweetapple said. “It’s

nice when you don’t necessarily have to work on the team dynamic because they understand it and know how to play with each other.”

Junior setter Gabby Pattie has been a leader for the offense and eclipsed the 1,000 career assist mark this season.

“She has been an essential member of the team,” Sweetapple said. “She runs the court and the plays.”

Hopkinton’s top three hitters all have been standouts. Senior outsider hitter Adriana Aquino is leading the division and the Tri-Valley League in kills. Sisters Elsa Woodbury, a senior, and Evie Woodbury, a sophomore, are two more strong members of the Hopkinton attack. Senior Olivia Carrazza is the key cog on defense as the libero. Sweetapple said improving that part of the game will be important for the team going into the tournament.

“We want to solidify out defense, which has already been solid,” she said. “We have some big matches before the playoffs, and we will be facing some good teams in the postseason, and we want to use these remaining regular-season games to help prepare our defense and blocking.”

Sweetapple said that Hopkinton also should be in a good position to handle the rigors of the tournament after rebuilding over the past couple of years.

“We have been patient as we have been working to get the team back to where it was before I took over,” she said. “We have been building up our skill and our mental game.”

The coach said her team is well prepared and equipped to have a good run in the postseason, in part because of its quirky schedule.

“We would rather have that adversity early on instead of later in the season,” Sweetapple said.

Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 5-month-old Elise.

Here is Baypath’s description of Elise:

“Meet Elise, a sweet and affectionate puppy with a heart full of love. This playful girl adores her toys and is highly motivated by food, making training an exciting and rewarding experience. Elise is also a big fan of other dogs and would be thrilled to have a canine companion to share her home with.

“Though she may be a bit shy at first, her warm and loving nature will quickly win you over. Elise is best suited for a calm household with teens and adults who can provide the gentle care she needs. She will thrive in a quiet, peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re looking for a tender-hearted and playful companion, Elise might just be the perfect addition to your family.”

For more information about Elise 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.

Adriana Aquino (1) is one of the Hillers’ top hitters.

The Princeton-bound Recupero, known for her elite footwork, had 17 goals and nine assists through 11 games for the Hillers, who were undefeated heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. In a 5-1 victory over Norton on Oct. 1, she scored three goals and hit the crossbar in a bid for a fourth. “Maddie leads by example on and off the field,” coach Tom Skiba stated. “She has a great work ethic, is always willing to learn and supports her teammates in all situations.”

A forward who stands out on attacking penalty corners, Finnegan recorded four goals and two assists in the team’s first 12 games as the Hillers battled for a postseason bid. “Mary’s stats don’t necessarily match up to her consistency and strength on the field, as she creates a lot of scoring opportunities for us, getting the ball into the attacking circle with her speed and stickwork,” coach Ally Valencia shared. “What I’m most impressed with is her game IQ and field awareness with her passing and off-ball movement.”

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HHS golf finds right mix for playoffs

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

After the top two players in the lineup, Hopkinton High School golf coach Bill Phaneuf has had as many as 11 players who have shown the ability to step in and factor into a match. It’s a good problem to have, but the Hillers are looking to sharpen their lineup down the stretch ahead of the sectional tournament.

“If our guys play the way they can play, we can be competitive with anybody,” Phaneuf said after Hopkinton secured a spot in the sectionals as a team.

“They are excited about it,” the coach said of the playoff berth. “We did not go as a team last year, and that was disappointing, but we didn’t earn it. This year they did earn it.”

While much of the lineup has been interchangeable, the Hillers have been led by Parker Winn and Levi Schuster, both of whom consistently shoot right around par for a nine-hole round.

“Parker played a ton of golf this summer and played in tournaments all over the place,” Phaneuf said. “He came into the season firing on all cylinders, and he’s played in every match for us.”

Schuster also has been one of Hopkinton’s most consistent scorers.

“Levi was someone we were hoping was going to step up this year, and he has,” Phaneuf said. “He has matured as a player and as a person, and he’s been

really solid.”

James Hayward has emerged as a strong third player in the lineup. A junior, he has been with the program since his freshman year and burst onto the scene this fall with a 1-under-par 35 in his first match of the year.

“It was really fun to watch,” Phaneuf said. “That was his best score ever and he couldn’t believe he shot that number. The look on his face and the smile, it was for me one of the most memorable moments to see how happy he was.”

Another junior, Andrew Cooper, has played in most matches and has impressed Phaneuf with his work ethic. The rest of the roster is filled with strong players who are able to contribute on any given day.

Most of the roster is averaging between 42 and 44,” Phaneuf said. “They are all about the same. It’s not a bad thing, but it makes it tougher to pick one over the other.”

Phaneuf will have to narrow the field ahead of the sectional tournament at Pleasant Valley in Sutton, which previously hosted professional tournaments. Phaneuf will have to put his top six out on the course in the hopes that they can play well enough to earn a spot in the states as a team.

“If four of those six can shoot a good, solid round, we can get through,” he said. “They are up for it, and we are psyched to get there.”

HHS Athlete Spotlight

Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.

Maddie Recupero Girls soccer Senior

Mary Finnegan Field hockey Junior

Laura Wauters REALTOR®

SENIOR SNIPPETS

The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Knitted Loom Hats with Jenny

Wednesdays beginning in October, 1 p.m.

Jenny O’Neil, one of the center’s faithful volunteers, is back to demonstrate how to create a loom hat. There is a onetime materials fee of $5 that provides participants with one plastic

loom and their choice of yarn.

Empowering Caregivers Series

Thursdays, Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14, 6-7 p.m.

Those who are providing care for a loved one are invited to join this free weekly workshop presented by the Al-

zheimer’s Association covering topics such as the role of a caregiver and the changes they may experience, using a person-centered care approach, building a support team, managing caregiver stress, exploring available services and support, etc. This program will be held at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and is open to residents of any town. Registration can be done via Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Introduction to Libby

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.

Libby is a phone app that allows individuals to borrow digital library books. But some people might not know what a digital book is or how to use it.

LEGACY FUNDRAISER

Children in the Legacy Farms neighborhood recently held a bake sale to benefit the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. The event is held annually around Indian Independence Day. This year, the children who ran the sale raised $665 for the center, according to a representative. The children were given a tour of the Respite Center when they delivered the donation.

Librarian Danielle Cook presents this introduction to e-books and e-audiobooks at the Senior Center.

Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Thursday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m.

Participants will learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors, current research and treatments available to address some symptoms, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. Advance registration is requested.

Vampires, Madmen and Monsters: Horror History

Monday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m.

To celebrate Halloween, the Senior Center presents this colorful exploration of the historical inspirations behind some of the most popular horror stories of all time. From Transylvanian tyrants and Egyptian incantations to Victorianera scientists and Romantic period writers, this talk will shed light on the dark origins of some spooky stories.

Garden Therapy: Pressed Flowers

Monday, Oct. 28, 1 p.m.

Members of the Hopkinton Garden Club will lead attendees through a pressed flower greeting card project. Advance registration is required, and space is limited.

Halloween Costume Party

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m.

This live musical performance features the Elderly Brothers Band and celebrates the spooky season with a variety of Halloween favorites. Costumes aren’t required but are strongly encouraged. Advance registration is requested.

Thanksgiving Traditions in Boston

Monday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m.

Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789. Governors of Massachusetts would proclaim a local holiday of Thanksgiving, but it was Sarah J. Hale, the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, who promoted a national day of Thanksgiving. It was during the Civil War under the presidency of Abraham Lincoln that Thanksgiving became a federal holiday in 1863.

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

Chat ’n’ Chew Book Group

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 12:30-2 p.m.

Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read this month.

Supreme Court, Conservatism and Current Controversies

Wednesdays, Oct. 16 and 23, 1-2:30 p.m.

The Supreme Court is one of the most consequential institutions of government in the United States. Its decisions have profound and enduring importance for American life and politics. In this series, four of the major cases decided by the Supreme Court during its last term will be explored. Registration for this hybrid program is available at the library website. Lifelong Learning programs are presented by the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.

Español Ahora!

Wednesdays, Oct. 16, 23 and 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

n an eight-class experience with Spanish as the vehicle, participants will practice yoga, make bread, play with math and do a little traveling. This is Spanish for everyday interactions. Informal conversation will be used to build a practical vocabulary, learn common phrases and practice Spanish in a comfortable environment.

English Language Learning Conversation Group: Conversation and Culture

Thursdays, Oct. 17 and 24, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Conversation and Culture provides an opportunity for the advanced learner to meet and practice conversation in a relaxed, social setting with trained leaders.

Copper Bookmarks Workshop for Teens

Thursday, Oct. 17, 3:30-5 p.m.

Metalsmith Heather Beck leads this workshop on creating copper bookmarks. This program is open to Grades 6-12. Registration is required.

Library Arcade

Friday, Oct. 18, 1-4 p.m.

On this school early release day, students are invited to the Betty Strong Room to hang out and play games. There will be music, board games, cornhole, giant Jenga, Nintendo Switch and other collaborative games. This event is for middle school and high school students.

English Language Learning Conversation Group: Beginners

Fridays, Oct. 18 and 25, 10-11 a.m.

This class is appropriate for someone with very limited experience with the English language. This learner may be familiar with basic vocabulary and simple phrases but is struggling with everyday conversations. The beginner group provides an opportunity to build English vocabulary and practice grammar and reading in a supportive setting.

French Conversation Group

Saturdays, Oct. 19 and 26, 11 a.m.-noon

Participants in this weekly gathering will learn and practice the French language in an informal rendezvous facilitated by a licensed French teacher. Anyone with interest in the language and its associated cultures is welcome. All French proficiency levels are invited.

Dungeons & Dragons Adult Group

Sunday, Oct. 20, 1-4 p.m.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Dungeons & Dragons, and participants in this program will play the game the way people used to.

Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga

Mondays, Oct. 21 and 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The traditional style of beginner and intermediate yoga will include postures, breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques. The class is open to ages 18 and older. No prior yoga experience is needed.

Branching Out Yoga for Tweens

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4:15-5 p.m.

Katie Aissis of Sprouting Tree Yoga will lead this tween yoga class.

Examining Truths and Fictions We Tell Ourselves

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2-3 p.m.

Every year, nearly 30 million Americans sit on a therapist’s couch — and some of these patients are therapists. In her remarkable book, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone,” Lori Gottlieb shares that despite her license and rigorous training, her most significant credential is that she’s a card-carrying member of the human race.

English Language Conversation Group: Intermediates

Wednesdays, Oct. 23 and 30, 10-11:30 a.m.

Intermediate learners have mastered basic vocabulary and simple grammar and are focused on greater comfort level in everyday conversations. At the intermediate level, this class will prioritize components of grammar, vocabulary expansion, reading comprehension and group discussion.

Monthly Music & Movement

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

This month’s children’s concert, supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, is with musician Stacey Peasley. It’s recommended for ages 0-5.

MEMBER FDIC 1Annual Percentage Yields (APYs) effective as of 9/1/2024 and subject to change at any time after the account is open. The interest rate and annual percentage yield for your account depend upon the applicable rate tier. The interest rate and annual percentage yield for these tiers may change. The APY range assumes a maximum deposit of $50,000 for illustration purposes only. Fees may reduce earnings. The account does not have a maximum deposit limit. Refund of domestic ATM surcharge transaction fees are capped at $25.00 per statement cycle. Non-UniBank ATM Surcharges are those fees charged by the bank that owns the non-UniBank ATM used. If the eligibility requirements are not met the account will earn a

Trick or Treating at the Library

Thursday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Those who wear a costume will get a treat at each of the service desks throughout the library. Kids also can get their picture taken with the Mermaid Princess and the Spider Hero, who will visit the library from 4:30-6 p.m.

oBituaries

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.

James Arond-Thomas, M.D.

James ArondThomas, M.D., of Hopkinton, a distinguished physicianresearcher and dedicated medical practitioner, passed away Sept. 10 at age 80. Born in Caroline County, Virginia, he was the son of the late Jeannette (Anderson) and Otto M. Thomas.

James held a doctorate in medicine and a master’s in pharmacology, underscoring his deep commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care. As a medical student at OSU, he won the Borden Award for outstanding research. In his lifelong pursuit of excellence and innovation, during his medical training, he worked with Nobel Prize winner Dr. Von Euler for a summer, and was a research associate in clinical science at the National Institute of Mental Health for three years. An attending physician at Harper-Grace Hospitals from 1976-94, he founded and directed the Center for Contemporary Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he was known for his innovations in behavioral oncology. Unwavering in his dedication to his patients and highly respected by colleagues, Dr. Arond-Thomas leaves behind a legacy of true patient-centered medicine and compassion.

James is survived by his wife of 28 years, Manya Arond-Thomas, and his siblings, Lois Blackshear, Mildred Chaney, Carolyn and Jeannette Thomas, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by sister Rose Watson and brother Otto Thomas.

Private family arrangements are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Alan B. King, 83, a Holliston resident of 45 years, passed away Sept. 19. Born and raised in the Western Massachusetts town of Adams, he was the son of the late Pauline (Voyer) and Kenneth King. He was the husband of 59 years to Sandra (Jillson) King.

Alan attended Notre Dame Grammar School in North Adams and was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in North Adams. He graduated first in his class from New England School of Art. As a graphic and industrial designer, Alan worked for Concept Industries of Framingham, a firm that built trade show exhibits, becoming the design director. After working at Concept, he and his business partner, Jay Vienneau, established Triad Designs, Inc. and operated in Holliston and Ashland for

over 25 years.

Alan was a fine artist who enjoyed entering shows and exhibits, where he won many awards. Alan loved people. After Triad closed, he drove for Able Limousine in Hopkinton. He particularly enjoyed driving young people to the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton, and the occasional celebrity, such as David Ortiz. He was a member of the Holliston Historical Society, worked with the Holliston Cub Scouts and was an advisor to the graphics department at Keefe Technical School in Framingham. He was a man of many talents. He could do anything he set his mind to, whether it was restoring cars or making upholstery using his mother’s sewing machine. He restored furniture and made some pieces from scratch. He often made his own brushes for some of his paintings, and when his children were young, he had no problem staying home “to be the mommy now.”

Besides his wife, Alan is survived by two children, Jenifer Brennan of Pepperell and Parrish King and wife Marianne of Oxford. He also leaves his sister, Karen Zimmerman and husband David, of Hernando, Florida; and brother-in-law Rick Kopala of Centerville; as well as five grandchildren, Kyra and Cameron Thompson, and Owen, Christian and Ryan Murphy; and six great-grandchildren, Keagan, Madison, Cameron, Anna, Ian and Kaidan Murphy. He is predeceased by sister Mary Lou Kopala.

Private family services are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

Susan Richelew

Susan E. Richelew, 82, passed away Sept. 27 at Oak Knoll Healthcare Center in Framingham. She was the widow of Meryl J. Richelew, who died in 2018. They had been married for 57 years. Born in Niagara Falls, New York, she was the daughter of the late Charles McConnell and Gladys Elson McConnell.

Susan grew up in Lewiston, New York, next to a working farm, and participated in the Girl Scouts. She also spent summers with family in Ontario, Canada and Chautauqua, New York. She graduated from Lewiston-Porter High School in 1959 and attended the University of New Mexico, where she studied archaeology.

An avid reader and music listener, Susan also fancied herself an amateur student of history and cultures, focusing much of her time on the history of the Middle East and Arabian cultures. She also developed an admiration for Native American peoples, and supported organizations whose purpose is to provide assistance to native tribal members.

Susan also enjoyed traveling, and she accompanied her husband on various business trips around the United States and the world. Over the years she either lived in or visited Canada, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands,

Italy, Australia, Japan, the Sultanate of Oman and the United Kingdom. She often interacted with ordinary folks she would encounter during travels around the country and around the world, whether it was the hotel housekeeping staff in Japan or Germany, a shopkeeper in Italy or her friends and family. This carried over to the time spent in the nursing home, where she developed friendships with some of the staff and residents.

She is survived by son Geoffrey Richelew of Hopkinton, sister Sheila Vaughan and brother-in-law Raymond Vaughan of Hamburg, New York, her nephew and nieces, cousins and other extended family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, Epilepsy Foundation, 3540 Crain Highway, Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716.

Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home in Hopkinton.

Carol MacDonald

Carol A. (Quinlan) MacDonald, 80, of Worcester, lovingly known as “Mimi.” passed away Oct. 7.

Born and raised in Newton, she was the daughter of the late Maybelle (Chevarley) and Raymond Quinlan.

An overachiever in childhood, Carol stormed onto the competition yo-yo scene in 1956, when, as regional champion, she would delight the Saturday matinee crowds at the old Paramount theater in Newton Corner with astonishing feats of “walk the dog” and “around the world” between feature presentations. Never one to rest on her laurels, she then became one of only very few of her classmates at Our Lady’s High School awarded the Palmer Method proficiency certification for handwriting, despite the handicap of being left-handed.

When she and her husband moved to Framingham in 1975 to raise their three children, her mother, Maybelle, feared of ever seeing her again, as she was moving far out to “the country” — some 25 minutes away. She is survived by those three children: Kevin MacDonald and wife Burnedette of Hopkinton, Christine MacDonald of North Providence, Rhode Island, and Brian MacDonald and wife Christina of Worcester, who will miss Mom dearly.

And while she loved her children, her collection of dolls and her extensive seasonal and holiday decorations — not necessarily in that order — Mimi’s true loves were her three grandchildren, Ainsley, Cameron and James MacDonald, and she was very proud of everything they are becoming.

She also leaves behind her brother, Paul Quinlan of Warwick, Rhode Island, her two nieces, Natasha and Annemarie, as well as her former spouse, John MacDonald of North Providence, Rhode Island.

Visitation was held Oct. 11 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 12 at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton, followed by burial in Cal-

vary Cemetery in Waltham. Memorial donations may be made to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, USA (oblatesusa.org/donate).

Robert Smith

Robert J. “Smitty” Smith Jr., 72, of Uxbridge died Oct. 4 at Mass General Hospital in Boston after a period of declining health. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Pauline F. (Dumais) Smith; three sons, Joseph Smith and wife Cheryl of Whitinsville, Jameson Smith and wife Kellie of Mendon, and Jonathan Smith and wife Robin of Framingham; his mother, Diana (Yarrish) Smith of Hopkinton; seven grandchildren, Madison, Aiofe, Rori, Colton, Daphne, Aiden and Payton; his sister, Donna and husband Thomas Souter of Ashby; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his father, Robert J. Smith Sr. Bob was born in Framingham on June 21, 1952, and grew up in Hopkinton. He was a 1970 graduate of Hopkinton High School. Bob and Pauline raised their children in Ashland and lived in Milford for several years before moving to Uxbridge seven years ago. He owned and operated R.J. Smith Construction for 30 years before his career turn as a meat cutter for several local grocery stores, including Market Basket in Bellingham. Bob loved cooking, refinishing steam trunks, woodworking and fishing. Mr. Smith’s memorial calling hours were held Oct. 13 at the Carr Funeral Home in Whitinsville. At the family’s request, please omit flowers. A donation in Bob’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate. cancer.org).

Eugene Savage

Eugene Savage, 77, of Hopkinton died Oct. 3, at home surrounded by family after an illness. He was the husband of Margaret (Hoey) Savage, to whom he was married for 38 years. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, he was the son of the late John and Catherine (Demairis) Savage.

He was a graduate of Ashland High School and continued his education, earning a bachelor’s degree at Worcester State University and his master’s degree at Framingham State University. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force.

He worked as a production manager at Kraft Foods, then spent many rewarding years working at the Pine Street Inn. He loved the game of golf since the age of 13 and was an avid reader of historical biographies.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Jarrod Savage, Brendon Savage, Lisa Polk, Tina Catalano and Jenna Mercier, and his grandchildren, Andrew Savage, Avery Savage, William Prairie, Emma Per-

Alan King

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.

Art on the Trail

Through Oct. 25

The Hopkinton Cultural Council presents the annual Art on the Trail from Oct. 7-25. This is a self-guided experience where people can enjoy art created by community members while walking the Center Trail. An artist walk and reception will be held Thursday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. on the Main Street side of the trail. For more information, visit hop-culture.org.

HALT Annual Meeting Oct. 16

The Hopkinton Area Land Trust will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 7-8 p.m. at The Sanctuary, 249 Wood Street, Woodville. All members of HALT and the community are invited to attend. The meeting agenda provides a review of HALT’s mission, accomplishments of the past year in acquiring and managing conservation land in Hopkinton, and a short business segment. For more information, visit hopkintonlandtrust.org.

HerSwap at Marathon School Oct. 19

HerSwap is a community-wide tag sale event for women’s clothing, accessories and books, with proceeds benefiting the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Organization and The Herd. It will be

held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m.noon at Marathon School. Donations may be dropped off at Marathon School on Friday, Oct. 18, from 5-7 p.m. Items must be clean and in good or excellent condition. For more details, visit the HopSwap Facebook page or email HopSwapMA@gmail.com.

Friends of Whitehall Fall Cleanup Oct. 19

The Friends of Whitehall‘s annual fall lake and trail cleanup will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m.-noon. Participants will gather at the boat landing parking lot at Whitehall State Park on Wood Street (Route 135) and be assigned areas of trails and shoreline around the lake to clean up debris and refuse. Gloves, trash bags, tools, bug spray and water will be provided, along with coffee and doughnuts for volunteers. For more information about the cleanup and the Friends of Whitehall, which is welcoming new members, visit friendsofwhitehall.org.

Open Mosque Day at Masjid Al-Ikhlaas Oct. 19

Masjid Al-Ikhlaas, the mosque located at 2 West Elm Street, will open its doors to the public for Open Mosque Day on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m.3 p.m. The event is an opportunity to

oBituaries

eksta, Eric Fermier, Hannah Polk and Kailee Polk. He also leaves his brother, John Savage of Medway.

Private burial with military honors were to take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

Donations in his memory may be given to the Disabled American Veterans Association. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.

Gary Merrill

Gary L. Merrill, 85, of Sandwich passed away Sept. 28, 2024. He was preceded in passing by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Wilma R. Merrill (Russell); she passed in April 2024. Gary was born in Boston in 1938 to the late Gertrude E. Merrill (Edwards). He grew up in Brighton and graduated high school from the New Preparatory School in Cambridge. He continued his studies at Boston University.

Gary started off his career as a sales agent for John Hancock Financial and later transitioned to sales in the automotive industry as a sales associate for Crandall-Hicks Co. in Wellesley. He

foster understanding and build interfaith relationships. Visitors will enjoy mosque tours, cultural exhibitions, workshops and delicious, authentic food. Activities include prayer demonstrations, henna art, Islamic calligraphy and a health awareness booth. For more information, visit the Masjid Al-Ikhlaas Facebook page.

Trails Club Walk at College Rock Oct. 19

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a group walk at College Rock on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m. This is an easy stroll through a beautiful area, with features including College Rock, a beaver pond and a hidden town boundary marker. The walk will start at the parking area across from 23 College Street. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Baypath’s Paws & Claws 5K Oct. 20

The 15th annual Paws & Claws 5K presented by VCA Animal Hospitals, a fundraising run/walk for Baypath Humane Society, will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Hopkinton State Park. Participants can register as an individual or as part of a team. For more information — including about sponsorship options — and to register, visit baypathhumane.org.

HWC Hopkinton History Presentation Oct. 21

Hopkinton Series. For more information, visit hopkintonwomensclub.org.

SACH ClamJam Diwali

Gala at HCA Nov. 16

The South Asian Circle of Hopkinton presents ClamJam Diwali Gala at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Bollywood and bhangra. Program partners are Boston Bhangra and the Hopkinton High School South Asian Affinity Group. The event is cosponsored by the Mass Cultural Council. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit southasiancircleofhopkinton.org.

Chamber of Commerce

Holiday Stroll Dec. 7

The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll is Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. People will race between businesses to get their Holiday Stroll passports stamped in order to be entered into one of 10 drawings for $300 each. Businesses will share holiday cheer with raffles and goodies like hot cider, coffee and chocolates or offer special deals and discounts. The event will culminate with Santa arriving by fire truck to the Town Common as well as holiday songs and the town tree lighting. For more information, visit hopchamber.com/holidaystrollcurrent.

Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month

spent almost 30 years with the company, advancing to become president and CEO. Gary finished his professional career as a consultant and small business owner.

In retirement, Gary lived in Florida, New Hampshire and eventually Cape Cod, where he moved to be closer to his grandchildren. Gary’s hobbies included antique cars (MGs), boating, gardening, NASCAR and all things New England sports, especially the Patriots. He also served over 60 years as a Freemason and as a member of the Shriners, part of the Aleppo Mounted Patrol. Gary’s greatest joy in life was his family. He cherished summer family vacations and spending the holidays and special occasions with his grandchildren. The grandkids were his pride and joy and gave him the grandest smile. He couldn’t wait for the next chance to see them.

Gary also was predeceased by his son, Christopher Merrill of Boston, and his daughter, Jennifer Merrill of Lynnfield. They are now all together again. He is survived by his son, Jonas Merrill of Hopkinton; his grandchildren, Taylor Tringali, Ava and Ben Merrill, and Avery, Brooke and Chloe Merrill; and his daughter-in-law, Vicki Merrill. He also is preceded in passing by his and his wife’s best furry companion, Misty, who we all miss dearly.

A private burial service will be held at Southborough Rural Cemetery.

The Hopkinton Women’s Club presents “How Hopkinton Came to Be” presented by Chuck Joseph on Monday, Oct 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library Large Events Room. The parallel stories of Britain and New England from the 1500s to the incorporation of the Town of Hopkinton in 1750 will be discussed as part of the History of

Oct. 18 and 19 | 7:30 p.m.

Join the stellar cast from Enter Stage Left Theater as they bring this striking drama of love and addiction, A Hatful of Rain, to the stage. A soldier wounded in action who endures considerable pain becomes a drug addict, which takes a terrible toll on everyone close to him in this poignant drama. Celia and Johnny Pope live in a New York tenement with his brother Polo. As Johnny’s heroin addiction spirals out of control, Celia and Polo’s attraction and dependency grow. Directed by Paul Champlin.

John John Brown

Oct. 20 | 2 p.m.

Kerrville New Folk winner John John Brown brings giant hand-drawn comics to the stage. Titled “Songs, Stories, & Art— Lessons from Strangers,” this original project weaves together storytelling songs and the visual arts in a live performance, creating an immersive experience for the listener. Throughout the performance, Brown takes the audience inside the lives of 14 unique characters while strumming his guitar and singing beside a projected graphic story. Unfolding is an imaginative and colorful world that reveals that all

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

strangers alike, have a story we can learn from.

Obituaries | from page 20

ESL Theater Presents: A Hatful of Rain

police log

ARRESTS

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

October 4

4:13 p.m. Officers Agusto Diaz and Nicholas Walker conducted a motor vehicle stop on Ash Street and performed field sobriety tests on the driver. A 56-year-old Tammer Lane resident was arrested and charged with speeding in violation of special regulation and OUI liquor.

8:03 p.m. Multiple calls were received about a vehicle crash into the woods on Westcott Drive and a possibly intoxicated operator. Officers Nicholas Saletnik, Augusto Diaz and Justin Cappuccio responded and performed field sobriety tests. A 44-year-old Westcott Drive resident was arrested and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor. Verizon was notified about a cracked pole, and a tow truck removed the 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.

September 24

8:03 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash on Grove Street resulting in a possible back injury. Officer Nicholas Walker responded along with an ambulance.

1:30 p.m. An East Main Street caller reported he was receiving disturbing information from a person and wanted to speak with an officer about the matter. Officer Nicholas Walker assisted and took a report.

6:17 p.m. A caller reported his daughter wanted to talk to an officer about something concerning that her friend shared with her. Sgt. Arthur Schofield assisted and shared the information with the Grafton Police Department, where the involved party lives.

11:23 p.m. A caller reported a female on the side of the roadway on Cedar Street talking on the phone and possibly in distress. Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and checked the area with a negative find.

September 25

1:28 a.m. The Framingham Police Department reported a female at Faith

MERCURY RECOVERY PROGR AM

Mercury is an element that can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.

Mercury is found in products such

Please contact your local Board of Health or Department of Public Works for information on where to safely dispose of these items.

Community Church on East Main Street wanted to speak with an officer. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and provided her with a courtesy transport to Ashland.

8:54 a.m. The DPW reported a tree fell on wires on Winter Street. Eversource was contacted.

10:25 a.m. A walk-in reported his son rode his motorcycle to school in the morning but never arrived. Officer Nicholas Walker assisted and reported the school called back, stating that an error was made and the boy actually was in class.

11:47 a.m. A walk-in complained of a neighbor hosting parties with over 100 cars parked on the street. The complaint was logged.

September 26

7:16 a.m. A caller reported a red Pontiac with no hazard lights parked in a hazardous spot on Ash Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and reported the driver was awaiting a tow. A verbal warning was issued to the driver for not having his driver’s license on him.

9:19 a.m. A motorist reported the yellow traffic light on Lumber Street was not functioning properly. Officer Noah Buentello responded, confirmed the problem and notified the DPW.

11:57 a.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on North Mill Street where she was nearly hit by a car while out for a run. The vehicle turned around, and she and the driver had a verbal argument. She did not get a license plate number. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and advised the caller of her options.

12:47 p.m. A walk-in reported his pension plan was compromised. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted and took a report of fraud.

2:47 p.m. A walk-in reported a tree on top of wires on West Main Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and reported there was no immediate hazard. Verizon was notified.

4:59 p.m. A caller reported someone was passed out in a vehicle on South Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked on the driver, who was taking a nap. All was OK.

4:59 p.m. A caller reported a female standing next to her car and crying on Ash Street. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio responded and took a motor vehicle crash report.

7:13 p.m. A caller reported losing his firearm, which he last used in Hopkinton. Officer Nicholas Saletnik took a lost property report.

September 27

8:07 a.m. The Southborough Police Department reported an erratic gray BMW with temporary plates driving on Cedar Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and checked the area with a negative find.

8:50 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour assisted a disabled U-Haul truck with a dead battery on West Main Street. A tow truck subsequently removed the vehicle.

September 28

1:53 p.m. A postal worker complained of a vehicle parked at the end of Leonard Street that was making it difficult to pull out of the street. The caller stated he nearly hit a cyclist. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and spoke with

the owner of the vehicle, and he was to move it.

7:18 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Nicholas Saletnik, Augusto Diaz and Justin Cappuccio responded to Legacy Farms North and placed a 42-year-old male into protective custody.

8:58 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil responded along with the Fire Department to Victory Lane for a water main break and water flooding into a residence. The Water Department subsequently responded.

September 29

7:42 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield checked on a disabled motor vehicle that was overheating on West Main Street. The driver moved it to the side of the road. 10:07 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield checked on a vehicle on Legacy Farms North and destroyed a small amount of a controlled substance.

September 30

7:28 a.m. A caller reported an aggressive and erratic operator tailgating and passing in a no passing zone on West Main Street. Officers Augusto Diaz and Noah Buentello responded, caught up with the vehicle and spoke with the driver about the complaint.

2:56 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Brook Hollow Lane involving a school bus and a truck. Sgt. Matthew McNeil and Sgt. William Burchard responded and reported no personal injuries nor damage.

3:13 p.m. A caller reported a female on Constitution Court who has been no trespassed. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and handed her a no trespass order, as she had not been previously served.

10:05 p.m. A caller reported a possible drug deal taking place on Mayhew Street. Sgt. Arthur Schofield, Sgt. Matthew McNeil and Sgt. William Burchard responded, checked in a vehicle and found a grandmother, the owner of the vehicle, letting her granddaughter practice for her driver’s test. All was OK.

October 1

7:20 a.m. A caller reported a suspicious male hanging around the rear dropoff area of a school on Hayden Rowe Street. He was described as a white male in his 40s, around 200-250 pounds, and wearing a button-down shirt and shorts. Officers Augusto Diaz and Nicholas Walker responded and reported he was a maintenance worker. All was OK. 11:15 a.m. A call was received about a possible active shooter at the high school. A male was reported to be in a bathroom with an AR-style rifle. Multiple officers and the Fire Department responded, notified administration and performed a sweep of the building. The reporting IP address was traced to Kansas City, where the call came from. It was determined to be a swatting (hoax) call. School resumed normal operations. 4:15 p.m. A West Main Street resident reported a male in a gray sweatshirt and jeans knocked on her door asking for help. Sgt. William Burchard and Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded, located the individual on West Main Street and gave him a courtesy transport.

6:21 p.m. A motorist reported a driver in a vehicle was smoking weed and dozed off while at a West Main Street

traffic light. Sgt. William Burchard responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

October 2

6:36 a.m. A motorist reported an erratic driver watching TV on her cell phone while driving on Wood Street and not maintaining a lane. Sgt. Shannon Beloin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

8:26 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello responded to a disturbance on Main Street involving two drivers and took a report.

9:10 a.m. A Hillcrest Drive reported a construction company was moving her utility lines, and she did not want that. Sgt. Matthew McNeil responded and reported the construction company moved the lines so that they would not be ripped down.

10:47 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported her neighbor shocked her dog with an electric dog trainer device. Officer Noah Buentello responded, spoke with all involved parties and reported it was a civil matter. He took a report.

1:34 p.m. An Ash Street resident complained of an ongoing issue of a neighbor honking a car horn at 4 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello responded and attempted to make contact with the neighbor, but nobody was home.

10:15 p.m. A caller complained of a vehicle parked on Main Street. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Brian Ziniti responded and reported it was a DoorDash driver confused with the area. All was OK.

October 3

2:24 p.m. A Saddle Hill Road caller reported a student loan was taken out in her name. Sgt. Arthur Schofield assisted and took a report of fraud.

3:28 p.m. A caller reported a group of youths on minibikes riding in the roadway on Revolutionary Way. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and removed them.

3:32 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street and one vehicle on its side. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Nicholas Saletnik, Brian Ziniti and Justin Cappuccio responded and took a report. No personal injuries were reported.

October 4

1:15 p.m. A walk-in reported receiving a scam phone call from New York stating she won a large sum of money, a car and a check. She wanted the incident logged.

1:55 p.m. A caller reported someone hit a gas line on Ash Street. Officers Augusto Diaz and Nicholas Walker responded along with Eversource.

6:20 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker came across a vehicle parked in the middle of Walcott Street and found nobody near the vehicle. The owner was contacted and stated his wife had the car and was downtown taking a child for a haircut. A parking violation warning was issued.

8:16 p.m. A Roosevelt Lane resident complained of youths playing ding-dongditch in the neighborhood. Officer Sean McKeon responded and was unable to locate the youths.

9:17 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle nearly struck a couple of trees and other cars head-on on Maple Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and located the vehicle. The driver stated his contact lenses were drying up. Officer McKeon followed the driver home and observed no erratic operation.

9:31 p.m. A Woodview Way resident complained of a dog barking in the area for the past two hours. Officer Augusto

Diaz responded and spoke to the caller, who stated the barking ceased.

11:26 p.m. A caller reported a puppy had been outside on Wood Street since 5 p.m. A message was left for the animal control officer.

October 5

11:26 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker checked on a vehicle parked in the wrong direction on A Street and spoke with the operator, who had stopped to make a phone call. All was OK.

12:35 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti searched Main Street for the owner of a loose dog in the area. The dog was returned to the owner, who was at the lumberyard.

4:15 p.m. A walk-in reported she received a call from someone claiming to be from Bank of America. Officer Justin Cappuccio assisted and took a report of fraud.

6:51 p.m. Officers Nicholas Saletnik, Nicholas Walker and Justin Cappuccio responded to a motor vehicle accident on Cedar Street and took a report.

6:53 p.m. A caller reported he was locked inside the State Park on Cedar Street. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio responded and unlocked the gate.

8:04 p.m. A West Main Street resident reported his neighbor’s dog had been barking outside on the porch for a few hours, and the caller saw lights and a TV on inside. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio responded and reported a gathering at the house, vehicles in the driveway and the dog inside.

8:28 p.m. Officer Augusto Diaz made checks of Sandy Beach and found two vehicles parked in the lot. A person was sleeping in one of the vehicles.

October 6

6:14 a.m. A Revolutionary Way resident reported her ex was outside throwing rocks at her window. Officers Noah Buentello and Sean McKeon responded and checked the area with a negative find. The reporting person refused to speak with officers.

4:14 p.m. A caller reported a golden retriever on the loose on School Street. Sgt. William Burchard responded and returned the dog to a neighbor.

4:40 p.m. Sgt. William Burchard checked on a vehicle on the side of the roadway on West Main Street. A passenger was not feeling well, and the driver had pulled over. They moved along.

8:13 p.m. Several callers reported a motor vehicle crash on DiCarlo Road where a vehicle was in the woods and airbags were deployed. Sgt. William Burchard, Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with a tow truck. No personal injuries were reported. A criminal application was issued for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and marked lanes violation.

10:25 p.m. A West Main Street store manager reported kids prank-calling the store. Sgt. William Burchard called the number, and a female answered and hung up. Sgt. Burchard stated that the phone calls should subside.

October 7

7:35 a.m. A Saddle Hill Road resident reported a suspicious incident in which an important item possibly was stolen from inside of her house overnight. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and took a report.

5:19 p.m. A caller reported a disabled motor vehicle in a dangerous spot on South Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and assisted and a tow truck removed the vehicle.