HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT
Baypath focuses on proposed new facility
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Baypath Humane Society is one step closer in its mission to provide greater animal care services throughout the MetroWest area.
The organization announced it has entered a public funding phase for its proposed facility at 66 Fruit Street. It has raised $4 million and hopes to bring that total to $6.5 million before breaking ground.
“We’re looking mid-next year to start construction,” said Elizabeth Jefferis, Baypath’s executive director, “and we’re going to begin permitting in the coming months.”
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Select Board at its meeting Sept. 17 voted to disband the Upper Charles Trail Committee, ending nearly two years of division over whether it should be dissolved or become a subcommittee of the Trails Committee.
In a surprise move, Select Board chair Brian Herr said the Trails Committee (also referred to as the Trails Coordination and Management Committee or TCMC during the meeting) likewise should be dissolved. This would give the Select Board the ability to create a new trails committee and “start over.”
Because the Trails Committee still has active projects, the board determined that it should not be dissolved until after the structure of the new committee is outlined. This task was given to Town Manager Elaine Lazarus.
Lazarus explained that Town
A rendering provided by Baypath Humane Society shows the entrance of its proposed new building.
Wesley Howard carries the ball during the Hopkinton Youth Football Grade 4 team’s recent game against visiting Attleboro.
South Street rezoning brings traffic concerns
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
At the Aug. 26 Zoning Advisory Committee meeting, the proposed Marguerite Concrete building was reexamined. ZAC voted yes (despite a unanimous no vote at the May 2023 Town Meeting), recommending that the Planning Board consider rezoning the property from residential to rural business district zoning.
I wanted to express the general concerns regarding traffic issues this building could cause.
The accompanying map shows the
proposed new building, with parking for 80 cars. The yellow arrow indicates the building entrance, the blue arrow shows Hayward Street (already busy, residential, narrow 1.5-lane two-way traffic road), and the red arrow identifies South Street.
Not pictured: The South Street and Hayward Street traffic light, 264 feet from the building entrance. South Street has heavy traffic from 7-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. Across South Street from Marguerite’s entrance is an entrance for Riverside Services. Auciello Drive abuts Marguerite’s building.
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Dangerous traffic ripple effect:
— Cars moving left from the Marguerite building will be moving into 264 feet of space (dangerously short stopping distance for cars already exceeding posted speed limits on South Street) into and across three traffic lanes.
— Meanwhile, traffic flows toward the Hayward/South corner traffic light.
— Simultaneously, cars are moving left into the building entrance.
— Cars are moving left at the South/ Hayward light into the same traffic flow.
— Cars are moving right out of Marguerite’s entrance, with increased traffic at the light.
— From 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., traffic will be overcrowded. Concern? Daily traffic jams on Hayward Street and South Street.
This forces traffic in and out of the Hayward neighborhood onto Downey Street (a narrow 1.5-lane residential street). Concern? Daily traffic jams on Downey Street and accidents on Hayward and Downey.
— West Main Street/Downey Street intersection could become exponentially dangerous (outer ripple effect).
— Possibly exponentially more dangerous moving left from Downey onto Hayward.
— Emergency vehicle traffic possibly inhibited.
— Children and adults regularly walk on Hayward and Downey. They should be able to continue this freely. Treacherous?
Remember the regular terrible ac-
cidents egressing 42 South Street (EMC site adjacent to Price Chopper) while EMC employees resided there? What will happen at South Street and Hayward Street with Marguerite’s new building there, but now with many more obstacles for drivers traversing a short distance? Do ZAC and the Planning Board still think that this proposed lot rezoning is a good idea despite this unsafe perfect storm?
— Terry Dever, Hopkinton
South/Hayward rezoning goes against residents’ will
I have closely followed the ongoing debate surrounding the rezoning proposal to convert the corner of South Street and Hayward Street from residential to commercial. This issue has surfaced repeatedly, and each time, the residents have overwhelmingly voted it down during town meetings. Yet, we find ourselves here again, fighting the same battle. I have been following this topic since last year. After reading recent coverages, including the article and the comments, as well as previous letters to the editor, it seems clear that there are concerted efforts, particularly by Marguerite Concrete and the town planner, to push this proposal through the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC). Marguerite is seeking assistance from the town planner to influence the ZAC despite the consistent opposition from the community. What’s most troubling is ZAC’s praise of Marguerite’s proposal and recommendation to the Planning Board for approval. While Ron Foisy of ZAC accurately pointed out that the committee is merely advisory and has no power to approve zoning changes directly, this raises the question: Why isn’t ZAC considering the people’s will? Every time this proposal has reached a town meeting, the residents have soundly rejected it. Yet, ZAC seems intent on advancing it. This leads me to ask: Does the town planner truly work for the betterment of our town, a town that we, the residents, are deeply committed to? And what exactly does ZAC hope to achieve by pushing against the community’s clear wishes? It’s crucial that these bodies, which exist to serve the town and its people, act in accordance with the will of the residents, not the interests of a few developers.
It’s time the ZAC and town planner listened to the voices of Maspenock (and Letters | 3
Hopkinton) residents and understood the weight of the decisions made at town meetings. Anything less would be a disservice to our community, which is defined by its residents’ collective decisions.
— Deepak (Shiv) Vokaliga, Hopkinton
Town committees shouldn’t cater to developers
Since 1965, the zoning at Main Street and School Street as well as Hayward and South Street has remained unchanged, preserving the character of these areas. Yet, recent actions by the Board of Appeals and the Zoning Advisory Committee suggest that they cater to developers seeking special treatment, ignoring the residents’ wishes.
Town officials justify these moves by stating that “the developers have been working with the town,” as though this collaboration excuses disregarding community opposition. However, simply working with developers should uphold the will of the residents who have consistently opposed these changes.
The justification often given is that new developments will reduce property taxes. However, this so-called benefit is minimal — about $20 per person per year if both areas are developed. This small financial gain hardly compensates for the disruption to the community and the historical integrity of these areas.
The Select Board, Planning Board, Zoning Advisory Committee and Board of Appeals must be held accountable. Developers or short-term financial promises should not sway our town. The residents’ will must be respected, along with the history and character of our community.
— Ramya Peela, Hopkinton
No gas station in area zoned agricultural
We are writing in opposition to the 290 West Main Street project, which proposes a gas station at the intersection of West Main Street and School Street.
The character of our neighborhood is at stake as well as the character of the town! Consistent with the agricultural zoning of this location, the character of the surrounding neighborhood is residential, quiet and wooded, with streets that are dark at night (no streetlights), some with no sidewalks and minimal traffic. The area is clean, and so is the air. Families and young children walk and bike in the streets, along with runners and dog walkers, free from concern about commercial deliveries. School Street itself is deemed a scenic road.
The intersection of School and West Main is already very busy — try driving up West Main after 4 p.m.! Presently, it only has a garden center with a quaint café, and a longstanding, unobtrusive water tower that adds no traffic, noise or light pollution. All this will change drastically if the proposal goes through. It also will set a precedent that a gas station could be plopped into any neighborhood in this town, with all its environmental issues.
Are we saying not in our backyards? Darn right we are! We purchased homes in this area in part because of the look and feel of the neighborhood. The backyards in this neighborhood abut quiet wetlands and a scenic road. We are only a few hundred yards away from beautiful Lake
Maspenock. Admittedly, we could use more businesses in town, but the character of entire neighborhoods should not be altered in exchange for a few tax dollars. So no, we do not want a gas station in an agriculturally zoned area!
The developer is taking a shortcut by requesting a “use variance” for a gas station and convenience store in an area currently zoned agricultural rather than going through the formal zoning change process. If the use variance is accepted, there will not be a vote at Town Meeting. Therefore, the time to oppose this is now!
The Board of Appeals will consider this request at an in-person, public meeting on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Please attend this meeting.
— The Green, Fitzpatrick, Kelley, Applebaum and Grant families, Hopkinton direct abutters
Town must balance character, finances
Every time a potential zoning change comes before the town, I see a letter or two accusing town officials of “catering to developers” and “destroying the character of our town.” Our town does have an idyllic rural character that we would like to preserve.
Our town’s “character” also includes a financial situation in which over 80% of the town’s revenue comes from residential property taxes, and like all towns, we are grappling with rapidly rising costs over the next several years.
Increasing business revenue in Hopkinton is vital to our economic survival. Zoning changes can be scary, especially for those Hopkinton residents living nearest the change. Simply denying all of them will leave town residents with ever-increasing tax bills or cuts to needed town services. Bringing businesses to Hopkinton must be done carefully, but it must be done.
All zoning changes come before Town Meeting. In the few years I have been a Hopkinton resident, I have dutifully attended town meetings to see these proposals come up. A crowd of people approach the microphone to speak, identify themselves as living nearest the proposed change, and speak about town character, urging everyone to vote against the proposal. The vote is sometimes close (and does often fail) and then a wave of people abandon the rest of the meting, ignoring the other needs of the town.
The residents of Hopkinton are the town government. It is up to us to both preserve town character and bring desperately needed business revenue to Hopkinton.
Learn about the issues. Attend the town meetings. Vote wisely.
— Brian Johnson, 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.
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Tales from a Townie: Eighth grade surprise
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The summer of 1954 was a great one for me, playing a very successful season for the Little League Tigers, who won the championship, and a not-sosuccessful All-Star team. Our last game was the night before I went off to Center School and eighth grade.
I got to school and was told that all eighth graders were to report to the auditorium. The auditorium was just a double classroom at the northeast corner of the second floor of Center School.
When we had all assembled, we were told that when our name was called, we should go to where Mrs. Hally stood.
Half our names were called, and Mrs. Hally said to take any belongings we had with us and to follow her. Out the door we went, across the Town Common, and to Town Hall. We entered Town Hall and proceeded to the back of the first floor to the north of the building. We went through a door, and there was our eighth grade classroom.
The new addition that had been completed three years earlier at Center School already was bursting at the seams and was short one classroom.
It turned out to be a great experience. While the rest of Center School went 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. with lunch in the cafeteria, we went from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a long recess. Brown & Smith’s store was next to Town Hall with its lunch counter and supply of candy and ice cream. This was going to be great! It was a preview of our freshman
year and the 8 a.m.-1 p.m. schedule. Now, back in 1954, Hopkinton was a different town. The population was just under 5,000. Today’s population is almost 20,000. The police and fire personnel were part-time. There was a Fire Department cruiser, but no police cruiser or ambulance until about 1955.
Town Hall had an auditorium on the second floor, with a stage and balcony, and no third floor. All the town officials were part-time and had their offices in their homes. That is why a schoolroom could fit in Town Hall.
Elections were held in Town Hall, so on Election Day, we had no school. Town Meeting and all large town functions were held upstairs in Town Hall. Our town gym was at 1 Ash Street, originally a four-room school (now an office building).
Our eighth grade year went by fast for three of us, and there was a great ending to it. Jean Gawalt, Frank McIntyre and I were sent to Center School two weeks before graduation to produce three or four murals for the stage at graduation at the earlier mentioned auditorium. We made slow progress on the project, taking the whole two weeks to finish the murals (great planning). I guess Mrs. Hally figured we did OK in our subjects, so we didn’t have to take our final exams. We finished just in time to be able to go back to Town Hall and clean out our desks for the last day of school.
So came to a close my most memorable school year. Then it was on to high school on Main Street.
Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week
Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 2-yearold Rocky.
Here is Baypath’s description of Rocky: “Rocky is a big, affectionate dog who loves being the center of attention. With his friendly and outgoing personality, he adores spending time with people and gets along well with kids and other dogs, especially females. Rocky is playful and energetic, enjoying both gentle and rough play, though he might get a bit jumpy when excited.
“He’s crate-trained and house-trained, making him a well-behaved addition to any home. Rocky thrives in an environment where he can get plenty of exercise and attention. He would do best in a home with ample space for playtime and a family that can give him the love and interaction he craves.
“If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion who will bring joy and enthusiasm into your life, Rocky is ready to be your new best friend!”
For more information about Rocky 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.
Diversity mural project
The Hopkinton Cultural Council unveiled the latest additions to the diversity mural project along the fence at EMC Park on Sept. 22. Artists pictured are (from left) Evan Fitzpatrick (whose brother, Owen, was a co-artist), Jill Strait, Path Tare, Kayleen Tang and Annabelle Liu. Chelsea Bradway (not pictured) also created a mural.
Special Town Meeting Nov. 18
The Select Board voted unanimously to set a Special Town Meeting date for Nov. 18, with the intended focus being a vote on the MBTA Communities zoning bylaw.
Select Board chair Brian Herr cautioned that no budget articles should be proposed at the STM because of the town’s financial state.
“I’m a little surprised that we’re all still worrying about financial articles coming at us that we don’t really want to spend money on right now,” he said. “Are we not communicating effectively that taxes are going from $12,500 to $18,500 [by 2030]? And that has nothing to do with anything else we add on.”
Herr has drilled down on this point at the past few meetings as budget discussions have begun.
Added member Mary Jo LaFreniere: “I want this board to stress constantly as we go along that everybody’s going to have to tighten their belts.”
Town Clerk Connor Degan explained that 100 signatures are needed for the submission for a citizen’s petition. While this is a “high bar,” he explained that “it has been achieved before.”
“I think we are all on the same page that we don’t want any further financial burden on the taxpayers,” said member Shahidul Mannan. He added that a financial request should be able to be proposed “if there is an urgent need.”
HPD warns of email scams
The Hopkinton Police Department is warning residents to be aware of attempted email scams after an influx of reports.
According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, the HPD has been investigating multiple reports of scammers trying to extort money from residents through email by claiming to have compromising information about them.
The emails use personal identifying information including the recipient’s name, address and phone number, along with a photograph of their residence. The scammer claims they have placed
malware on the victim’s computer and has access to all their emails, contacts and social media accounts.
In exchange for deleting all the “dirt” they have on the victim, the scammer asks for payment in cryptocurrency.
The HPD, after investigating multiple reports of this scam activity, has determined that “no compromising information was obtained or released by the person soliciting the scam regardless of if a payment was made or not.”
The emails in each case are nearly identical, and photographs of the recipients’ homes are obtained from internet sources such as online maps and real estate websites.
The HPD claims reports of these scams have been occurring for several months, and it is actively investigating each case.
“We suggest that if anyone receives a similar email, report it to your local police department and DO NOT make any payments to the perpetrator,” the Facebook post notes.
Concern raised over senior tax credit hours
During the public comment period before the Sept. 17 Select Board meeting, Linda Kimball of the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors questioned why the volunteer hours seniors perform for fundraising for this group and the thrift shop no longer would be accepted as senior tax credit hours.
According to an email forwarded to her by Amy Beck, the director of the Senior Center, earlier in September, this decision went into effect “immediately.” The decision affected about 15 senior volunteers.
“That was very disturbing to us,” she said, noting the lack of direct communication to the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors. “We had no idea whatsoever.”
She added: “It really affected people mentally and financially.”
Kimball said she has met with town officials and contacted state Sen. Karen Spilka’s office to explain the efforts that the friends group expends to help the Senior Center run efficiently and the extent of its fundraising efforts.
Presents
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest
This issue’s winner is Orion Haines for this photo of a bumblebee enjoying a butterfly weed on West Main Street. 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.
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 508497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.
Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center
Thursday, Oct. 3, 1 p.m.
This program is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. It’s a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships, usually with live music and refreshments. This is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.
Empowering Caregivers Series
Thursdays, Oct. 3, 17 and 24, 6-7 p.m.
Those who are providing care for a loved one are invited to join this free weekly workshop presented by the Alzheimer’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 Hop-
kinton Center for the Arts and is open to residents of any town. To register, call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.
Emotional Pension
Thursday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.
Author Henry Quinlan is back at the Senior Center, this time with a presentation on building a life that has meaning and purpose. This program is for those thinking about making the most of their golden years.
Culturally Curious: Art History’s Best Dressed (Virtual)
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m.
Satins, silks, velvets and furs — through the years, artists have flattered their subjects with beautiful clothes rendered with awe-inspiring detail. This lighthearted program — held virtually — reviews some of the great fashions throughout the history of painting (with a few wardrobe malfunctions thrown in for good measure!). Those interested should call for the Zoom link.
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 Victorian-era scientists and Romantic period writers, this talk will shed light on the dark origins of some spooky stories.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
ZAC recommends 3 plans for MBTA Communities Act zoning
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Zoning Advisory Committee at its meeting Sept. 16 voted to recommend three plans to the Planning Board that would comply with MBTA Communities Act zoning requirements for its consideration.
The motion that ZAC approved in a 5-1-1 vote made clear that the preferred option was the plan that was presented at May’s Annual Town Meeting. It was narrowly rejected by eight votes, with 118 in favor and 126 opposed, despite receiving kudos from the state for adherence to compliance guidelines. Much of the opposition came from residents who live at or near The Preserve condominium complex because their property was included in the zoning. That plan also included a portion to the downtown area, the Carbone’s Restaurant property on Cedar Street and two parcels adjacent to it.
The other two options also included the downtown area, with some tweaking of the boundaries. One included the Indian Brook condominium complex, while the other option included the Walcott Valley townhouse condominium community. The ZAC vote identified the original plan as the preferred option, the Walcott Valley plan as the second and Indian Brook proposal as ZAC’s third choice. Ron Foisy voted against the motion, while Curtis Smithson abstained.
The Planning Board will review these options before recommending two options that a Special Town Meeting will decide between in November, if Town Meeting votes to comply with the state’s mandate. The Planning Board can modify these plans before including them in a
Special Town Meeting article.
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 must 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 was designated as an MBTA-adjacent community because of its proximity to the Southborough commuter rail station. As such, it would be required to zone for 750 housing units, a density of 15 units per acre for 50 developable acres.
Proposed districts evaluated
Principal Planner John Gelcich reviewed the previously proposed plan and introduced the two new ones. He displayed maps that highlighted the areas under consideration in each proposal. The three parameters that need to be met are district size, unit capacity and overall density across the district and subdistricts.
The initially proposed plan met the compliance requirements with a unit capacity of 814, as well as 17.2 units per acre and district acreage of 58.4 acres.
The Indian Brook proposal includes the Indian Brook condos on Elm Street
and a slightly expanded downtown area compared with the first plan in order to meet the land compliance factor. This proposal is one unit short of complying with the MBTA zoning guidelines with 749. It meets the other two factors with 16.2 units per acre and a district acreage area of 50.2 acres. The Planning Board can choose to modify the density of this plan to meet the requirements, Gelcich noted.
The Walcott Valley proposal includes the Walcott Valley condos and an expanded downtown area. It also contains the Upper Cedar Street area described in the first proposal but leaves out The Preserve. This option barely meets the unit requirements with 754 units and 51.7 acres but exceeds the units per acre requirement with 19.
Chair Ted Barker-Hook asked Gelcich “how nervous” he would be presenting such a close option to the state. Gelcich said he hoped that that the state would “allow a stay” if that happened so the town could vote on an amended version at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
As an aside, Smithson referenced the proposed mixed-use development downtown at the site of the former Hopkinton Drug/Hopkinton Card and Gift Shop building at 48-52 Main Street. The Historical Commission recently rescinded a demolition delay for the home at 6 Cedar Street, allowing the proposed 60-unit development proposal to move
forward to the Planning Board.
Gelcich explained that while it was scheduled to be discussed at the Planning Board meeting Sept. 23, it likely would be continued — and it was — because of the applicant’s availability that night.
Barker-Hook noted that there is “a push” to extend MWRTA bus service to the Southborough commuter rail station. This would augment the downtown’s compliance with “the spirit of the law” to build near public transit options. Gelcich added that the bus line being discussed would go up to Littleton and down to Milford.
The chair also discussed the “delicate balance” of meeting the state mandate while not encouraging “rapid development.”
“I think that we are in agreement with most if not all of the Planning Board in that we certainly want to be within the law,” Barker-Hook stressed. He noted that noncompliance could lead to a lawsuit and the potential loss of state funding. Barker-Hook said his concern with the Indian Brook proposal was that it is not near public transportation and would compound traffic issues there if redeveloped. One positive he noted was that a quick search showed that a current unit at Indian Brook costs about $100,000 more than one at Walcott Valley. This might make a developer less likely to pursue it, although more units could fit there.
BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE
Peregrin in Mendon offers thoughtfully sourced home decor
Peregrin is a unique, new, home decor shop in Mendon that is as much of a story as it is a store. Its products are created using heritage-based techniques from artisans around the world. The focus is on textile goods like pillows and blankets, with other offerings including vases, sculptures and giftable items. Every visit provides an opportunity to discover treasures not otherwise available locally.
Founder Emily Huber opened Peregrin in April, with the boutique representing a culmination of her professional and personal interests.
“Working in product development in corporate retail, I noticed exploitation in the supply chain, so I decided to do something different,” said Huber.
Her love of travel had exposed her to captivating items from remote and rich cultures, such as hand-woven blankets and baskets in Guatemala. Blending these interests, Huber opened Peregrin to share “new heirlooms” with kindred spirits in the area.
“While an item may be new to you, it will become an heirloom, lasting for generations,” she explained.
People visiting the store are drawn to certain styles.
“Maybe it’s Otomi embroidery from Mexico, with a vibrant and high-contrast contemporary and whimsical style,” said Huber. “Or a bolga basket or fan from Ghana.”
Peregrin features items from Mendon to Uzbekistan.
“I buy directly from the artists and connect closely with them,” Huber said. She vets her suppliers, prioritizing those that are women- and minorityowned, and that follow techniques native to the artist’s culture.
Emily Huber stands outside the artisan home goods boutique she recently opened in Mendon.
individual’s home says something about the person and influences how they feel.
Even the store itself has a tale. Built in the 1700s, its uses included a post office, a shoe repair shop and a penny candy store with a soda fountain. Huber became aware of it through her participation with the Mendon Historical Society and reworked the space, honoring its history. As for the name, peregrin is from Latin, meaning to wander or journey. The shop offers a place for people in the community to connect and to experience the sense of wonder Huber finds in her trips connecting with artists.
“There’s nothing like coming in and touching a mohair blanket from Ireland,” said Huber. “You don’t know how wonderful it is until you try it. It’s fun! Or if you’re looking for a gift, you might feel a luxurious hand towel then pair it with an artisanal soap.”
For those who are unable to enjoy the in-person thrill, Peregrin offers an online store, peregrinshop.com. Huber also provides design services to help accessorize rooms, tying in special pieces while balancing color and texture.
Peregrin is located at 1 Maple Street in Mendon and is open Thursday from noon-6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. More information can be obtained by contacting the shop at info@peregrinshop.com or 508-2571369.
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“It’s a different approach from big stores,” she continued. “Shopping is making a decision with our dollars about who we are and what we value. I’m providing lasting materials and a chance to commit to slower fashion and slower consumption habits.”
She expressed that what is in an
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.
Community needs assessment notes challenges, needs older residents face
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
T
he Hopkinton Senior Center on Sept. 18 hosted a presentation of a community needs assessment showing the concerns of older adults in Hopkinton that they fear will affect their ability to age in place in town.
This 107-page report was commissioned by the town more than a year ago. It was researched and written by a team of experts at the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The report incorporated the results of a local survey mailed to 5,000 older residents and input from focus groups. It also used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey.
“I learned a great deal from it myself, and it has already provided us with ideas of how to improve and expand the lives of seniors in town,” wrote Amy Beck, the town’s director of senior services, in the report’s introduction.
Growing senior population has diverse needs
One key finding was that while the Senior Center received high marks for its programs and services, many older residents had misconceptions about its mission. They thought they were too young to use it, that it was private, or that it was only for elders in crisis. Some 55% of seniors visit the Senior Center only a few times a year.
The report also pointed out a need for different programming, such as outdoor and indoor exercise classes and lectures to engage younger seniors in their 60s and 70s. Other interests included wellness programs, trips and cultural events.
To enhance the Senior Center’s image, the assessment suggested a possible name change “that reframes aging as a positive and active experience.” Community outreach via traditional and social media was encouraged, particularly to underrepresented groups. Other tactics include more weekend and evening programming and “embedding” Senior Center personnel in community groups, but that would require more personnel.
Presenter Sue Berger worked on the survey and engaged with older residents in Hopkinton to research their thoughts on the positive aspects they experience and the obstacles they face. She noted that the population of baby boomers is now 65 years or older and will continue to grow. It also is more diverse and has different needs from preceding generations, as many people don’t consider themselves as being old.
By 2030, 27% of Hopkinton’s residents will be age 60 or older, according to the report.
Berger said the report is a tool for the town to create a Senior Services strategic plan. Some of the data could influence future development in town, as older residents expressed a need for smaller housing and the ability to age in place in their homes. It will be shared among town departments.
“A lot of the recommendations take a village,” said Berger. “Senior Services can’t do it alone.”
Housing, finances, transportation top list of concerns
Housing, limited income and lack of transportation were key concerns for Hopkinton’s older population. More than one-third of seniors surveyed have lived in Hopkinton for at least 35 years. They expressed how much they wanted to remain in town, but opportunities to downsize or afford repairs to their homes were obstacles.
Rising property taxes was a factor that may drive some residents to leave Hopkinton because they have fixed incomes. One respondent suggested that seniors become exempt from paying taxes that fund the schools.
People enjoy the town’s natural resources, including its parks and trails, as well as its small-town charm and ac cess to services. The library and Senior Center were praised for being good resources.
One detractor was that the sense of its being a close-knit community is waning. As the town’s population has exploded, some respondents feared that the town’s infrastructure cannot not sup port more people.
Finding smaller houses and condos is a challenge, particularly if a senior wants a one-floor home due to mobil ity issues. Accessory dwelling units were mentioned as one way to address this concern. Subsidized housing units where Hopkinton residents were given priority was another.
Both homeowners and renters were found to spend at least 30% of their in comes on housing costs, with those with lower incomes paying more.
Of seniors aged 70-plus, 54% live alone. Berger stressed concerns about isolation and its affect on people’s men tal health, a topic that arose during the pandemic. A total of 3% of respondents admitted that they have either thought of or attempted to commit suicide. Nearly a quarter of the respondents only get together in person once a month.
Along those lines, 22% of respon dents felt excluded in town based on their age, disability or income. In focus groups, some residents said they didn’t
believe the town cared about its older residents. An example illustrating this is that people needed to vote in person at Town Meeting, but many could not stay late in the evening for critical votes.
Transportation also impacts seniors, as many lose their ability to drive as they age. Survey respondents said they need a car to get around because the town is not walkable and does not have sidewalks in some areas.
An example Berger gave as a challenge is that 44% of respondents said they had to miss, cancel or reschedule a medical appointment over the past 12 months due to lack of transportation.
The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority does provide bus and paratransit services. The Senior Center has a van for transportation for medical appointments and for shopping.
Suggestions offered for improvement
Some survey respondents suggested better communication between seniors and town departments. When proposing new housing stock, developers should consider the desire for older residents to live in single-floor homes or homes with a primary bedroom on the first floor. Intergenerational connections were encouraged. Volunteers could help older residents with transportation and chores.
Said Berger: “There are definitely some items on this list and recommendations here where you might get big bang for your bucks without needing extra money and staff.”
Parks & Rec talks water ban, Fruit Street vending machines
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
The Parks & Recreation Commis -
sion spent its meeting Sept. 24 debating how to address the town’s recent enactment of new water restrictions.
Parks & Recreation Director Jon Lewitus explained that he had initiated the shutoff of irrigation systems at the dog park on Pratt Way, the Town Common and Carrigan Park.
Due to a lack of significant rainfall, the town enacted water conservation measures for all customers connected to the municipal water system. The measures restrict lawn watering and the use of sprinkler systems.
However, because all Parks & Rec properties are fed by wells (with the exception of Carrigan) the department is not obligated to comply with the town’s latest mandate.
“We don’t technically need to adhere to the ban,” said Lewitus, “but
ethically … do we want to adhere to [it]?”
The commission was split on how to approach the issue.
Member Kyle Smith worried about prioritizing public relations over infrastructure.
“It’s not worth $300,000 to redo whatever facility gets completely ruined from under-watering for optics,” said Smith.
Vice chair Amy O’Donnell echoed Smith’s concerns, expressing hesitancy over shutting down watering operations at facilities like the Fruit Street athletic fields.
“We’ve spent years trying to fix those fields,” she said.
Chair Daniel Terry believed the issue was more nuanced. He advocated for drawing down some watering operations while making sure Parks & Rec facilities get the care they need.
Members of the commission agreed that given the change in seasons, the
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risk of properties being damaged by under-watering had lessened.
They also were in agreement that facilities like Fruit Street — which went through significant turf replacement in 2022 — needed to be prioritized in whatever plan the commission devised.
The commission directed Lewitus to solicit opinions from turf management experts and come back with recommendations. Lewitus agreed to focus on a solution that would “keep the fields healthy but also bring water [use] down to a reasonable level if possible.”
Vending machines proposed for Fruit Street
Braden Lu and Paul Lu of Famished Machines, LLC met with the commission to pitch their proposal for vending machine services at the Fruit Street athletic fields.
Thank You!
Lewitus prefaced the presentation by explaining he had met with Braden Lu previously and wanted to bring the idea to the commission.
Park & Rec has been looking to install vending machines at the Fruit Street facility for some time. It had sent out requests for proposals previously but received none.
Braden Lu outlined his proposal to the commission, explaining the need for vending machines at the fields and the services his company is prepared to offer the department.
A multi-sport athlete at Hopkinton High School and a referee, Braden Lu has seen the need for vending options at Fruit Street first-hand.
“The first thing my fellow referees said when we got on the field for the first time this fall was, ‘I’m hungry,’ ” he said.
Famished Machines — the company Braden Lu and his father, Paul, started in 2024 — hopes to meet this need by offering a tailored vending service for up to three machines. The machines would sit outside the Fruit Street concession stand and be in operation from the beginning of April to the end of November.
Per discussions with Lewitus, the machines would provide a variety of healthy options but no sugary drinks.
Braden Lu informed the commission that “athletic-specific products” like tape and gauze would be available as well.
For security and accessibility, the vending machines would be equipped with security cameras and wireless chip readers.
Built into the proposal is an offer to give 10% of proceeds back to Parks & Rec. Stating he’s been “fortunate enough to be a part of lots of Parks & Rec-sponsored activities,” Braden Lu hopes to give back some of what he earns.
Commission members asked the Lus about logistical issues, such as restocking and product selection.
Terry expressed concerns about pricing, stating he did not want a situation where items were being sold at “Fenway Park prices.”
Paul Lu assured the commission that the price points for all items would be reasonable, and that Famished Machines would work to maintain transparency around pricing and profit margins.
“This is a public service,” said Paul Lu. “We’re not here to gouge that.”
Smith focused on potential security issues with the cameras inside the machines and the card readers. He warned that the wireless card readers could pose a cybersecurity risk if hooked into IT assets already present in the Fruit Street concession stand.
The commission was favorable to Famished Machines’ pitch, but recommended a slower draw-up than what was proposed. Members advocated for starting with one machine and seeing how demand plays out.
“You will sell stuff down there,” said O’Donnell, “I just don’t know what the distribution will be like.”
After their round of questions, commission members directed Lewitus to tentatively enter into contract with Famished Machines after reviewing procurement policies and town safety regulations.
“I’m thrilled we’re now coming up with an option,” said Terry.
Select Board disbands town’s trail committees, to ‘start fresh’
Meeting in May 2023 voted for a nonbinding article to disband the UCTC and allow it to become a TCMC subcommittee. Its activities were suspended then, with the exception of meeting to discuss a new charge and charter.
“Through a series of discussions, it decided to ask the Upper Charles Trail Committee to meet and come up with recommendations as to how it might revise its charge to address the needs of the community,” she said. She added that the TCMC also provided its own revised charge for the UCTC.
UCTC chair Jane Moran and sev-
eral committee members attended the meeting to speak to the work the committee has accomplished since it was created in 2012. Moran made the case that the two groups should be kept as separate entities, as the previous Select Board had decided. She also presented the UCTC’s revised charge, which the committee has worked on for the past several months.
Moran explained that the UCTC was created as part of a five-town effort to form a multipurpose trail that would link the communities “into a 28-mile loop.” She said this trail would “provide safe access for our residents of all abilities” to the schools, the downtown
Ways to give new life to old junk
As the seasons change and the leaves begin to fall, you may think about getting rid of old items that have fallen out of use. Or you may want to give your home a more festive look in advance of Halloween and holiday parties by clearing out clutter.
A junk removal company is your best resource for removing unwanted furniture, mattresses and other items — all with no heavy lifting on your part. A worker can come to your home, and with the point of a finger, take away cumbersome items, disposing of them in an environmentally responsible way.
As people downsize their homes or renovate them for the new year, this option may be an attractive way to conveniently clear out space. A junk removal company can help with basement and attic cleanouts, estate closings and other large-scale efforts. Workers then decide where to distribute the goods, such as donating them to a thrift store or local charity, taking the pressure off you during a stressful time.
For those who want to use some elbow grease or spend some time sorting through their stuff, a junk removal company can rent out dumpsters on a weekly basis. This allows for personal satisfaction, as you can see the fruits of your labor being hauled away safely.
When disposing of old goods, a company that offers contactless pickup is a good option during these challenging times. A reputable company will offer several options for pickup of used goods, including curbside service.
Junk removal companies will work hard to make sure usable merchandise will find a proper home. One person’s trash could become another person’s treasure. They can bring furniture to a thrift store, allowing someone to give it a new home with a fresh coat of paint or a cover. Gently worn clothing and shoes may be perfect for a family living on a tight budget.
A local company will work with area businesses to see what can be repurposed to them. For example, old tools or gadgets can find new life in a repair shop because those parts may no longer be made.
Hiring a junk removal service is a great green alternative to dumping usable goods into a landfill. A conscientious company will offer to donate them to a charity or a thrift store free of charge. Some items that these stores find popular are older wooden pieces and kitchen items.
When it comes to the new rules about removal of old mattresses, a junk removal service can offer a lower-cost solution to a town fee. In addition to mattress removal, workers also will break down mattresses and box springs.
For more details, contact Jason Schadler at Affordable Junk Removal, 774-287-1133, or visit the website at affordablejunkremoval.com. The business address is 163 Mendon Street, Bellingham, MA 02019.
area, Hopkinton State Park and the town’s historical assets.
While the current Trails Committee’s focus is on creating a network of trails in town, the mission of the UCTC is “starkly different,” Moran said. By contrast, the UCTC has been actively working with other towns and won multiple state grants over the past decade. It also was awarded money from the Community Preservation Committee at the May 2022 Town Meeting, which has been held in abeyance because of the UCTC’s suspension.
Moran presented an 11-page document outlining the UCTC’s accomplishments over its history, which included property allocations, studies of possible trail sites, potential easements and meetings with stakeholders. It also contained a “conceptual plan” that previously generated controversy because of its multiple crossings of Hayden Rowe Street. She explained that the plan had to be drawn in order to apply for funding and was “not set in stone.”
The revised charge addressed issues raised by the community during the 2023 Town Meeting. It stressed clearer communication, more community outreach “to regain the public trust,” and a more efficient meeting and committee structure, according to Moran.
The Center Trail would be a key aspect included in the proposed Upper Charles trail. Before the suspension, the UCTC also worked on refining a plan that would connect Hopkinton
State Park to the downtown area. Moran said the UCTC decided it didn’t want to become a TCMC subcommittee because “we would be doing all the work and yet have essentially no vote in the final outcome.”
Alternate UCTC member Jamie Wronka noted that the UCTC stresses “accessibility for all ages and all abilities,” an element that the Trails Committee does not.
Linda Chuss, the secretary of the Trails Committee, said she did not agree with Moran’s characterization of that group. She said it views the Trails Committee “as being responsible for all trails in town.”
UCTC vice chair Eric Sonnett said there was initial enthusiasm for building the trail when the committee was created. But it became a complicated process because the town failed to purchase all of the old rail beds that would have facilitated its construction. When Hayden Rowe residents learned that one trail option would go in front of their homes, the “public outcry” against it began.
He added that the Town Meeting vote against the UCTC was taken at 11 p.m., when most people had left.
Herr noted that he was on the Select Board when the UCTC was created. He said since then, “organizational behaviors” have gotten in the way of progress.
Disbanding both committees would allow members to apply to the new iteration of a trails committee, he continued, noting it would include all of the UCTC’s prior work.
Jason Schadler
Cast members of The Haunt gather for a photo as they prepare for their performance during this year’s Wicked Weekend, co-hosted by the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and the MetroWest YMCA, in late October. The weekend offers something for all ages, from a Wicked Pickleball tournament and Wicked 5K to a Family Fun Fest and adults-only Halloween Bash.
In the mood for a wicked good time? Then circle the dates of Oct. 18-20 and 25-27, when the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, partnering with the MetroWest YMCA, hosts the eighth annual Wicked Weekend. The Halloween-themed event features The Haunt, an interactive live theater tour through Deadwoodville; the Wicked Pickle tournament; the Halloween Bash costumed dance with Scott Brown and the Diplomats; the Wicked 5K race and Wee Wicked Dash; plus the Wicked Family Fun Fest.
“This is an event with something for everyone,” said Sandee Buckley, HCA Director of Operations. “It is also about supporting HCA and the MetroWest YMCA by helping raise funds for all of our programs, scholarships and events.”
Additional partners include the Hopkinton Moms Club and the Hopkinton Cultural Council.
A centerpiece of Wicked Weekend is The Haunt, an outdoor theatrical experience set in Deadwoodville, a community of the living dead in the Hopkinton woods that annually invites guests to visit. This year guests will attend a wedding of a living dead bride and a mortal groom.
The Haunt takes place at the YMCA (45 East Street) on Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27. Tickets are available at 10-minute intervals from 6-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday. Proceeds benefit both organizations.
Buckley added that a limited number of group packages for businesses or organizations will be offered in cooperation with Warren Conference Center.
“We can provide an optional catered dinner for groups buying out a time slot,” she said.
“This is not your typical jump scare; instead it is a real sto ry of a wedding between two worlds from the engagement to the actual ceremony and reception,” said Buckley. “It is fam ily friendly but best enjoyed by youngsters aged 10 and up.”
The HCA and the YMCA also will co-host the second annual Wicked Pickleball tournament and fundraiser for beginner to advanced players on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Held at the new YMCA pickleball courts, players are invited to wear costumes.
The Halloween Bash costumed dance with Scott Brown and the Diplomats is 8 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the HCA (98 Hayden Rowe Street).
“We received a lot of requests for an adults-only costume party,” said Buckley. “Following the phenomenal response we had to Scott Brown’s summer concert, we asked if he’d like to perform at an adults-only event. He agreed. It should be another great time.”
The Wicked Weekend winds up at the HCA on Sunday, Oct. 27, with the all-ages, Wicked 5K run/walk and the Wee Wicked Dash for youngsters at 1 p.m., followed by the Wicked Family Fun Fest at 1:30.
“The Fun Fest, co-hosted by HCA and the Hopkinton Moms Club, is a free event,” said Buckley. “It will offer activities for all ages — games, music, strolling magic and, new this year, a beer tent.”
A highlight will be the pumpkincarving contest sponsored by the Hopkinton Cultural Council.
For more Wicked Weekend information and tickets, visit HopArtsCenter.org.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Health Director Shaun McAuliffe walked members of the Board of Health through the Health Department’s new strategic plan at the board’s Sept. 16 meeting.
The plan, which was finalized in August, identifies five strategic priorities for the department. These center around data reporting, communication and partnerships between other departments and organizations.
One major proposal in the plan is an expansion of the Board of Health. The board now has three members. If the recommendations in the plan are adopted, the board would add two additional seats.
McAuliffe insisted that expanding the board to five members would be better for collaboration and decision making.
“Five [members] would allow a little more discussion, interaction and freedom,” said McAuliffe, “and a greater depth, or spread, of participation.”
He spoke about recommendations for improving communication efforts as well. McAuliffe explained there are opportunities to connect with and educate residents about the department’s work.
“I would argue most people don’t know what we do here,” he said.
McAuliffe informed the board that he and public health nurse Simone Carter were to present the strategic plan to the Select Board at its meeting the following night.
Carter discussed her part of the presentation. She was to present on the plan’s top priority: expanding the town’s public health nursing team.
The Health Department was forced to cut back services back in March after a “five-figure” budget deficit caused two per diem nurses to be furloughed.
Both McAuliffe and Carter have maintained this has created extra burden on the whole department. As regulatory requirements for reporting have increased, it has been more difficult for Carter to administer consistent care.
Carter noted that “30% of [nursing] time is updating records.”
She and McAuliffe report that the people affected most by this loss in care are Hopkinton’s seniors.
“We’re seeing a lot of elders at risk,” said Carter. “They’re the ones who have felt the cut the most.”
To bridge the gap, Carter asked the Select Board to reinstate nursing through emergency appropriations and to budget for nursing in fiscal year 2026 with an eye toward future growth and demographic changes.
Additionally, she and McAuliffe asked the Select Board to establish a revolving fund to capture vaccine reimbursements to augment the Health Department’s finances.
“This will allow us to bill for services and future endeavors that allow seniors to age in place,” said Carter.
Board members discussed the budgetary aspects of Carter’s presentation. Member Nasiba Mannan supported an idea to focus on the budgetary aspects of the plan during the presentation to the Select Board.
“You have to make the case like that so they get it,” Mannan said.
Historical Commission celebrates opening of Aikens Park
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Members of the Hopkinton Historical Commission celebrated the end of a 12-year restoration and conservation project at Aikens Park and Trail with a ribbon cutting Sept. 19. The park is located off Cedar Street (Route 85), at the border with Southborough.
The ceremony was held on the park’s stone bridge. Attendees included past and present members of the Hopkinton Historical Commission (HHC), Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, Community Preservation Committee (CPC) chair Ken Weismantel, Town of Southborough Select Board member Marguerite Landry and members of the public.
HHC chair Michael Roughan offered some brief remarks before the ribbon was cut. He described the history of the bridge, HHC’s involvement in restoring it and the path to getting the project accomplished.
“I credit Ron [Yankee] for starting this, and the CPC,” said Roughan.
Yankee, former HHC treasurer, first initiated the project in 2012 after requesting approval from the Town of Southborough to remove trees that were threatening the integrity of the bridge’s stonework.
This led the HHC to begin working on a plan to restore and preserve the property, which had been deeded to the town by the Aikens family. Due to the bridge’s historical significance, keeping it intact was a priority.
The bridge spans the Sudbury River and straddles the border between Hopkinton and Southborough. It likely was built sometime in the mid-1800s and is
a dry laid stone bridge — thought to be one of only 50 remaining in the eastern United States.
The property the bridge sits on once was the location of the old Cordaville Road, as well as the Cordaville Mills.
Coordinating with engineering experts and the CPC, the commission worked for more than a decade to see the bridge and park restored.
The restoration process included removing vegetation on the bridge, laying down gravel and stone dust, erecting wood and iron railings and installing granite curbs.
In his remarks, Roughan detailed how the commission employed creative methods to complete the project on a tight budget.
Students at Keefe Regional Technical School fabricated the metal for the railings. The granite used for the project was recycled from the ongoing Main Street construction.
Roughan also commended resident Mike Whalen, who donated hours of consultation and labor to get the project to the finish line.
Before the ribbon was cut, CPC chair Ken Weismantel offered a few thoughts as well.
“CPC would like to thank the taxpayers who graciously donate 2% of their real estate tax to fund projects like this that may not normally make the cut,” Weismantel said.
Those joining to cut the ribbon at Aikens Park include (from left) Hannah Davis, Diane Hayward, Norah Hoskins, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, Eric Sonnett, Ron Yankee, CPC chair Ken Weismantel and Mike Whalen.
Alleged transients at Whitehall raise concerns
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
Areport to the Hopkinton Police Department on suspicious activity by people allegedly encamped near Lake Whitehall raised concerns about suspected drug activity, but the situation was addressed by both the HPD and the Massachusetts Environmental Police, according to the HPD’s lieutenant.
On Sept. 7 at 10:10 a.m., “[a] caller reported several transients living in tents and heavy drug activity on Winter Street,” the police log stated. “Officers Noah Buentello and Nicholas Walker responded, spoke with the reporting person and contacted the Environmental Police.”
vicinity.
“In reviewing the incident report, a tent was removed by the Environmental Police, and the area was cleaned of possible drug paraphernalia,” HPD Lt. Scott van Raalten stated in an email to the Independent. “Officers were not able to identify who was camping
growth there and the installation of a camera to monitor the area. While no one spoke directly about the alleged situation, Harrow and member Nancy Peters mentioned rumored activity in the area that was concerning.
Added van Raalten: “There was certainly someone there for a few days, given the trash. However, we could not determine who, in order to offer them
“At the bottom of ‘Snake Hill,’ a twisty portion of Winter Street before Pond Street, (coming from Wood) is a small parking area with a trail that leads into the lake,” Harrow explained in a follow-up email to the Independent. “Someone was ‘camping’ there, and, allegedly, there were lots of used, drugrelated paraphernalia, like needles.”
Several people contacted the Independent to report the tent, including Ed Harrow, chair of the Open Space Preservation Commission, which oversees the Whitehall Conservation Area. Although he personally didn’t observe any activity, he stated that it was reported to him by a resident of the area.
The subject was alluded to during the Sept. 12 OSPC meeting, which focused on taming the knotweed over-
The board also had questions regarding the burden of reporting requirements and the necessity of additional staff.
Chair Richard Jacobs inquired about the current time investment for completing and filing reports to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Member Mary Jo Ondrechen wondered if that burden necessitated more staff. “Has the town grown to the point that we need two nurses?” she asked.
Carter and McAuliffe asserted that additional public health nurses were a
McAuliffe explained that each report the department needs to file takes on average 2-3 hours each, and the per diem nurses were averaging 30 hours per week completing that paperwork.
“All that work is going back on Simone now,” said McAuliffe.
After further discussion, the board took a unanimous vote to support the presentation of the strategic plan to the Select Board.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police did not immediately respond to a request for an update.
“The mission of the Massachusetts Environmental Police is to protect the environment and natural resources of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through enforcement, education and public outreach,” according to the organization’s website. The department also registers boats, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles and offers programs on boating and recreational vehicle safety.
Town becomes ‘low-risk’ mosquito area
McAuliffe informed the board that efforts to curb mosquito and tickborne illnesses in town had yielded positive results.
“If you look at the mosquito dashboard at DPH, we’re a spot of low risk,” McAuliffe said.
Spurred by data showing that mosquito capture rates at monitored sites in town were 15,000 times above rates in previous years, the Health Department has been working to curb the mosquito populations.
McAuliffe reported he had coordinated with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to apply specific larvicide pucks every three weeks in water bodies that were known to have mosquitoes.
These measures were intended to disrupt mosquito breeding patterns. CMMCP continued to apply them until early September.
This tent, which was located next to Lake Whitehall on the Winter Street side, is believed to have been used by transients, and possible drug paraphernalia was found in the
Baypath moves forward with plans for new shelter
Baypath | from page 1
Baypath estimates the new shelter will take a year to complete once construction begins. When finished, it will be nearly four times larger than its 2,000-square-foot structure at 500 Legacy Farms North Road.
The process for a new building began in 2015, according to Jefferis. Baypath submitted a request for proposal for the 5-acre Fruit Street property in 2019. That request was unanimously approved by the Select Board in 2020.
While Baypath had anticipated raising its funds and constructing the new facility three years after approval, factors including the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its timeline. Baypath did not end up signing the lease for Fruit Street until 2022.
“Everyone had bigger fish to fry,” Jefferis recalled. “We didn’t want to fundraise until we knew we had a lease.”
Features of the new shelter include a community room, an advanced medical space to handle diagnostics and spay-
Commission on Disability, HPD create ‘handle with care’ initiative
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
T
he Commission on Disability at its meeting Sept. 19 discussed a public awareness campaign with Hopkinton’s top cops that would share helpful information regarding people with disabilities with first responders.
Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett and Lt. Scott van Raalten attended the meeting and brainstormed with members how to upgrade past initiatives used by the HPD into a more comprehensive database. What evolved from their discussions was the idea of a “handle with care” initiative.
The term was used during the meeting by van Raalten to describe how officers refer to an emergency call where their may be extenuating circumstances that influence the way they approach a situation.
“When we’re reporting it over the radio, we’re not using the disability or whatever the situation is,” he explained. “The officers know that ‘handle with care’ means that there’s more to the story.”
Some examples of when this warning would be given include if there were known medical issues as well as in instances of suspected domestic violence or substance use disorder.
This term caught fire with commission members as a slogan that would simultaneously alert emergency personnel while maintaining respect for the individual.
While Bennett said people can give this information to officers when calling 911, he noted that only about half of callers to the police station use the emergency number.
Bennett explained that the department previously kept information about children who were on the autism spectrum on file in case of emergencies. He also has worked with the Hopkinton Public Schools to learn if a student is going through a traumatic situation such as a parental divorce or family illness that may affect the student’s behavior.
The department’s current form needs to be refreshed with updated terminology, he said. It would include wording such as “neurodiverse” or “people with mobility challenges.”
Commission member Nancy “Punky” Drawe has been spearheading the COD’s database campaign over the past several months and previously spoke with the police chief about it.
“We’re with you 100%,” said Bennett.
While at a meeting several weeks ago at the Senior Center, another idea was proposed to Bennett about alerting police to people who may tend to wander due to dementia. A database was discussed that would include emergency contacts, pictures and known locations where they might be found. During that meeting, the Commission on Disability’s database idea was morphed into the conversation, which caused some confusion among commission members during an Aug. 26 meeting.
As the evening progressed, the police and commission members agreed that a broader and more modern form should be developed that would encompass children and adults with all types of disabilities, older residents who may tend to wander, and other situations that may require special handling during a crisis. They envisioned an online document where people interested in providing information could click on an icon that would direct them to the relevant section of the form to complete. All information would be provided to the HPD voluntarily and shared only with first responders as situations arise.
Van Raalten stressed that a caregiver contact is extremely important to include with information provided to the department, which Bennett confirmed.
Said Bennett: “We’ve come across children at 3 o’clock in the morning and say, ‘What do we do now?’”
While contact information was retrieved and inputted into the HPD system after repeated calls, this database would have information available virtually immediately.
“It’s good work, and we’re happy to do it,” said Bennett.
Danielle Cook, the Hopkinton Public Library’s reference and technology supervisor, suggested a synthesized database at the last meeting. She agreed to create a Google document with COD chair Holly Morand over the next month. Stakeholders would be asked for input, including key personnel at the Senior Center, the School Department, the Hopkinton Housing Authority, SEPAC, the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, and assisted living facilities such as Golden Pond and Fairview Estates. Julia Chun, the town’s sustainability, economic development and equity project manager, will be asked for her input as well.
For the public to provide suggestions, individuals can email Morand at codchair@hopkintonma.gov.
and-neuter activities, and updated housing facilities.
Space also is needed to comply with new regulations for animal shelters enacted in recent years.
“We want to do better by the animals, and we feel like we’ll be able to help them more efficiently,” Jefferis said of the new design.
The new shelter will be able to house more animals, but Jefferis reports that the more important aspect of the proposed design is a focus on process.
In the new building, animals will be housed depending on where they are in the shelter process — intake, quarantine, isolation, pre-adoption, adoption and so on. The size of the animal also will be a consideration.
How animals are brought into the shelter will change as well. Jefferis explained that the new design allows more privacy for surrenders and animal control professionals bringing animals into the building, away from other common areas.
“With better space, we will be able to move [the animals] along differently than right now,” said Jefferis. “We’ll be able to shorten length of stay and get more people and volunteers on site.”
Increasing visitor and personnel capacity also is a priority. Jefferis hopes the new building will be easier for visitors, volunteers and staff to navigate.
According to Jefferis, Baypath receives over 200 volunteers a week currently. Between them and shelter staff, there is not much room for people to move around.
“They deserve a better working
environment,” Jefferis said.
The new building would give staff and volunteers more space to operate. As well, the proposed community room will allow Baypath to host educational programs, pet training and other community events.
All of these changes would help Baypath increase its ability to serve the region at a time when the need for animal welfare programs is increasing.
Baypath cares for about 1,000 cats and dogs annually, but Jefferis reports those numbers are growing.
“We’ve gotten the most Hopkinton strays this year in my 14 years of working here,” she said.
She went on to detail how local dog surrenders have risen 80% and the number of cats has increased 25% in the past year.
Jefferis points to difficult economic conditions and housing insecurity as driving factors behind the surge in surrenders. She says that both in Massachusetts and nationally, it is “a tough time in animal welfare.”
Jefferis is grateful for the trust Hopkinton has placed in the organization by offering a 50-year lease on Fruit Street.
“It’s just this amazing opportunity, and you don’t see it. … It doesn’t happen very often,” she said.
Added Jefferis: “This town is amazing; it’s such a great community to be a part of.”
Those interested in learning more about the project and donating to the cause can find more information on Baypath’s fundraising website at future. baypathhumane.org.
Calendar
To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.
Trail Volunteer Day at Center Trail Oct. 5
The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. The next workday is Oct. 5 at Center Trail, near the middle school cross country trail (Loop Road end). Volunteers will do prep work/site clearing for the installation of exercise equipment and replacement of a drainage pipe. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub. com.
Woodville Rod & Gun Club Craft Fair Oct. 5
The annual Woodville Rod & Gun Club Craft Fair is Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Rod & Gun Club (252 Wood Street/Route 135). The event will feature numerous local vendors selling some unique items. For more information, visit the Woodville Rod & Gun Club Facebook page.
Fire Department Open House Oct. 6
The Hopkinton Fire Department’s annual Open House is Sunday, Oct. 6. The event, held at the HFD headquarters on Main Street, will run from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Residents — especially children — will have the opportunity to view demonstrations, learn about fire safety and tour the station. Refreshments will be provided, and Sparky the Fire Dog is expected to make an appearance. The Open House provides an opportunity for
firefighters to focus on the educational theme of Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!
Art on the Trail Oct. 7-25
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 hopculture.org.
Trails Club Monthly Meeting Oct. 9
The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
Dementia Friends Information Session Oct. 10
Residents of all ages and towns are invited to become a Dementia Friend by attending an informational program at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 7-8:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the five key dementia messages, the different types of dementia and their impact, what it’s like to live with dementia, how to interact and communicate with people living with dementia, and the extensive resources and support for families and care partners. To reserve a spot, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-497-9730. For more information, email sdocknevich@gmail.com.
Event Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
First Friday Open Mic with Craig Carter and The Hurricane Oct. 4 | 8 p.m.
Calling all singers (and people who love to listen to people sing)! Open Mic is an excellent way for singers to put themselves in front of a very supportive and fun crowd and to learn by watching other singers—$10 at the door. HCA Members attend for free. About Our Host—when you think of Craig Carter and The Hurricane, you think Neil Young meets Jeff Beck. Carter’s distinctive smooth and powerful vocal style and Billy Sciore’s explosive and mesmerizing lead guitar work, coupled with the heartpounding rhythm section of Steve Gilligan on bass and Denis Semperbon on drums, provide an undeniably exciting musical experience.
Boston Dance Theater: Pinnacle Works Oct. 4 & 5 | 7 p.m.
Boston Dance Theater (BDT) is bold, creative, ambitious, hardworking, and courageous—all of those things without hubris. BDT welcomes new ideas, engagement, and critical insight into its art and company. Named on Dance Magazine’s prestigious “25 to Watch” list, BDT aspires to be Boston’s first nationally
Michael’s Run 5K for Respite Center Oct. 12
The 25th annual Michael’s Run, a 5K run/walk to benefit the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, will be held Saturday, Oct. 12. The race starts and ends at the Town Common. On-site registration opens at 8 a.m., and the race starts at 10. The family event includes food, music, crafts and games. For more information or to register online, visit hopkintonrespite.org.
Farmers Market at Town Common Through Oct. 13
The Hopkinton Farmers Market returns to the Town Common on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., starting June 9 and running through Oct. 13. The market features local fresh food, craft beverages, organic produce, flowers, handmade products, live music and activities. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers again will receive a $10 incentive for a $10 purchase, and there will be Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits as well. For information, including a list of vendors, music and activities, visit hopkintonfarmersmarket.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
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.
Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month
The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.
Al-Anon Weekly Meetings Thursdays
and internationally known contemporary dance company. All of BDT artworks are socio-politically relevant and match the talents of diverse and influential dancers with our acclaimed choreographic partners.
Sunday Jazz Jam | Oct. 6 | 11 a.m.
Please grab a cup of coffee and join us in our barn loft for an hour-long concert by the MetroWest Jazz Project, followed by a public jam session. The MetroWest Jazz Project is a collaboration of jazz musicians playing acoustic contemporary jazz featuring the unique sound of the vibraphone. Free event.
ESL Theater Presents: A Hatful of Rain Oct. 11, 12, 18, 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.
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 foster understanding and build interfaith
Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend a confidential Al-Anon meeting, which takes place every Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. at the meeting room in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (61 Wood Street). For more information, visit al-anon.org or call 888-4AL-ANON.
library Corner
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on X, @HopkintonPLMA.
Schedule Update
The library will be closed Saturday, Oct. 12, through Monday, Oct. 14, for Indigenous Peoples Day.
Supreme Court, Conservatism and Current Controversies
Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 1-3 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 is available at the library website. Lifelong Learning programs are presented by the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.
Journey Into Hidden World of Tropical Bats
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2-3 p.m.
Three Smithsonian-affiliated scientists will present on the remarkable world of tropical bats. For decades, scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have studied the remarkable biodiversity of bats on Barro Colorado Island in Panama, where an astonishing 76 species coexist. Registration is available at the library website.
YA RPG Club
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6-7:45 p.m.
Every other Wednesday is an evening of imagination and skill. Participants will play Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering and other dice, card and tabletop role-playing games. This program is open to Grade 5 and up. Registration is appreciated. New players are always welcome.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Oct. 3, 1-6 p.m.
Registration can be found at rcblood. org/3AmuYsP.
French Conversation Group
Saturdays, Oct. 5, 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. Registration is available at the library website.
Grade 3-5 Book Club
Mondays, Oct. 7 and 21, 4:15-5 p.m.
Third, fourth and fifth graders are invited to chat all things books and reading. Participants can share about a book they have read or are currently reading. The group will talk about favorite genres, and kids will hear what their peers are reading. Ms. Carly also will share book recommendations and give kids the scoop on the latest books to hit the Children’s Room.
Patanjali Ashtanga Yoga Class
Monday, Oct. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The traditional style of beginner and intermediate yoga is open to ages 18 and older and will be held in the Betty Strong Room (Large Event Room). No prior yoga experience is needed. Classes will include asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), dhyana (meditation) and yoga nidra (relaxation techniques).
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction
Tuesday, Oct. 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Narcan, the brand name of the generic drug naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. This free training from the Hopkinton Health Department will provide participants with brief instruction on how to recognize an opioid overdose, when and how to use Narcan, and a free kit to take home.
and
Local honey, natural skin care products, beeswax candles, and more. We are now serving ice cream from Crescent Ridge!
Liberating Latin American Fiction
Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7-8 p.m.
This virtual program invites individuals to free their minds with the highly acclaimed Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a New York Times-bestselling and award-winning author of several novels includ ing “Mexican Gothic,” “The Daughter of Doctor Moreau,” “Gods of Jade and Shadow” and many more. Moreno-Garcia’s most recent novel, “The Seventh Veil of Salome,” is set in 1950s Hollywood.
Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle
Thursday, Oct 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
HOLLISTON FARM
45 Chestnut St., Holliston RETAIL HOURS Wed-Sun 10am-6pm bostonhoneycompany.com
Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome.
English Language Learning Conversation Group: Beginners
Fridays, Oct. 11, 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. Registration is available at the library website.
Introduction to e-books
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10-11 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. Librarian Danielle Cook presents this introduction to e-books and e-audiobooks at the Hopkinton Senior Center.
Women’s Financial Round Table
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1-2 p.m.
Financial advisors Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone present the Women and Money Round Table. This series is a virtual, monthly financial literacy program designed to educate women in all walks of life. Attendees will learn about financial matters in a welcoming environment where they can ask questions and share financial experiences. (Although the program is targeted for women, all diverse genders are welcome to attend.) Registration is available at the library website.
English Language Conversation Group: Intermediates
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 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. Reading together helps to expand vocabulary and provides a focus for group discussion and increased understanding of the complexities of language. Registration is available at the library website.
SCHoolS
ESBC approves upgrades to Charleswood air units
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
the construction budget, which is running $1.2 million under budget at around $123.7 million.
The committee voted unanimously to include the rooftop unit upgrades in the construction plans.
The Elementary School Building Committee at its Sept. 24 meeting approved rooftop unit upgrades corresponding with accommodations for future expansions to the Charleswood School.
Factored in the project’s design is space for 18 additional classrooms, which would be added on to the ends of each wing. The upgrade increases the capacity of air movement from 24,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM) to 32,000 CFM.
Jeff D’Amico, vice president and project director at Vertex, said upgrading the mechanical equipment for $275,000 now would be less costly than paying an estimated $360,000 plus escalation if the work is done at the time of expansion.
He said the larger unit operates at a lower speed, potentially increasing its life expectancy compared to adding stand-alone 3,000 CFM outside air units in the future.
Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) member Mike Shepard said he was concerned that 10 years from now, the town could end up paying twice if some new technology has evolved by then.
But Dan Colli, project manager at architect Perkins Eastman, said outside air unit technology had not significantly changed over the past 30-40 years.
D’Amico noted the district already had made a commitment to geo thermal energy and “this (alternate) capitalizes on that investment.”
ESBC member Bill Flannery asked about enrollment projections and when the district expects it could exceed the 1,200 students for which Charleswood School is being built.
Assistant Superintendent Susan Rothermich said the student population has been growing more than 100 students year after year, and the town continues to have development and families with kids moving in.
Rothermich said she and Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh “got comfort” from the fact that separate enrollment projections by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and Arthur Wagman are very similar.
Cavanaugh said it is unlikely the district will gain 212 students just in Grades 2-4 over the next few years, but eventually it could happen.
D’Amico noted MSBA enrollment projections are at 1,223 students in 2029 and 1,300-plus by 2032. He clarified that this unit is for “fresh air,” and the plans already have capacity for additions with their heat and cooling components.
D’Amico said there is funding available within
Large building mock-up suggested
The board, however, did not agree to a second “alternate” presented — a six-sided, 10-foot-by-10foot building mock-up used for performance testing.
D’Amico said a larger mock-up would be comprised of all the same features and materials of the new school — including roof, masonry, windows, etc., and could be kept after testing for storage or as a wellhead. The cost would be $85,000 to $103,000.
Shepard said it would be “just crazy” to locate that size mock-up structure where it could be prominently seen as people enter the school site.
He said it would be “God awful, ugly and awkward.”
D’Amico said designers would at least like to have a two-sided, L-shaped mock-up structure, and certain performance tests could be done on the school building itself.
D’Amico said he would write to the commissioning agent, who is the person advocating for the larger mock-up. Ultimately, the decision rests with the EBSC, he added.
Board members spoke in favor of adding more oversight and spot-checking during construction instead so that pressure and other tests on the main building are successful.
In other business, the ESBC gave the go-ahead for the 60% construction documents to be submitted to the MSBA.
Tweaks made to design
The board heard a presentation by Robert Bell, education programmer at Perkins Eastman, highlighting slight changes that were made since the last design review.
These tweaks included a slight field location shift, revised crosswalks with added flash signals, reduction of light poles to 15 feet, reconfiguration of small mechanical rooms, removal of one of 15 staff toilets, and minor furnishing revisions.
Bell said his team would be using long and narrow bricks of different colors for the building exterior that “don’t look thick and clunky” and are “more tactile and accommodating for students at the ground level.”
The next ESBC meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst recently announced its dean’s list for the spring semester, and it includes a number of Hopkinton residents. Making the list were Morgan Allen , Molly Andrews , Jessica Applebaum, Ailene Barry, Shivali Chandrasekar, Alan Chen, Charlotte Cheverie, Jordyn Cheverie, Fletcher Clark, Zoe Coelho, Ciara Cross, Kyla Crum, Caleb Dacey, Peter DeMichele, Anish Doki, Melinda Dyan, Nathan Foster, Eva Franks, Jessica Franks, Katherine Graham, Tyler Holbrow, An-Chi Huang, Grace Joseph, Luke Joseph, Megan Joyce, Devin Kelly, Liam Keohane, Shanzay Khan, Daniel Kirk, Nipun Kisari , Colby Lavelanet , Yan Lo , Abraham Lukose, Amelia Maggiore, Justin Mak, Julia Markey, Parthaneel Medhi, Owen Mitchell, Ben Morey-Beale, Keira Murphy, Bianca Pal, Allison Palacios, Ryan Palmer, Meera Parthasarathy, Jordan Pessin, William Quinlan, Vienna Rivard,
Jack Rodgers, Calvin Rodman, Aaditya Saini, Aditya Sathishkumar, Aiden Scannevin, Austin Summers, Li Sutherland, Furquaan Syed, Evan Theodorou, Alexis Trendel, Autumn Tumbleton, Madeline Ullman and Lillian York
Residents named to the dean’s list at Fairfield University were Nathalie Bates , Luke Beaudet, Emma Canestrari, Andrew D’Alleva, Nicholas Dieter, Frank Incutto, Michael Liptak, Dylan Prefontaine and Joseph Scardino
Emily Murphy and Audrey Gilpin were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at the University of Delaware. …
Leah Palinkas was named to the dean’s list at the University of New England. …
Lex Kaye was named to the dean’s list at St. Olaf College, where he is studying kinesiology. … Spencer Smith earned a spot on the dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin, where he is in the School of Business.
School Committee reviews capital plan, goals, risk insurance
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
The School Committee looked at the fiscal year 2026 capital plan, approved builder’s risk insurance and talked about goals and improvements during its Sept. 26 meeting.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich said the strategy with replacements is to spread them out over several years. In fiscal years with large projects like a roof replacement, those would stand alone to “make them more palatable for the community,” she said.
The district’s requests for FY 26 total $2,595,000 and include replacements for the following: $735,000 for heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); $200,000 for storefront entry doors; $60,000 for campus sewer cover; and $100,000 for system technology upgrades.
Also listed is $1.5 million for an adaptive playground located at Marathon School. Rothermich explained that the schools would be submitting a grant application to the Community Preservation Committee.
Town Meeting in fiscal year 2024 approved use of Community Preservation Funds for an engineering study as well as design and construction bid documents for the project. An Adaptive Playground Committee has been working on these items in conjunction with BETA and expects to have construction bid documents by November.
As for the other requests, Rothermich said the high school has 14 HVAC units and the middle school has eight that need to be replaced. The requests also include funds for a feasibility study for a sustainable replacement plan, she said.
At the middle school, there are two sets of double doors that get heavy use, she said. Frames are corroded, and there are gaps that allow moisture from outside to enter the building and cause problems.
At the high school, behind the driveway, Rothermich said, there is a sewer access cover that has become damaged over time and has a pump below the chamber.
Also at the high school, there are existing firewall appliances that need larger capacity. Expansion also is needed for core switch capacity to accommodate growth and more audio visual capacity for the audito-
Local collegians recognized
Schools notebook | from page 18
Connor Grady was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he is studying fine and applied arts. …
Charles Griffiths graduated in August with a degree in business management from James Madison University.
Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.
Barris earns MCCA scholarship
Manoli Barris was awarded a $2,500 hospitality scholarship by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority this summer. Barris, a Hopkinton High School graduate, recently started his junior year at Boston University. …
The National Merit Scholarship Program for 2025 recently announced semifinalists, and the list includes four Hopkinton High School students: Juliet Findlen, Geetha Malisetty, Kaizar Rangwala and Abhishek Vijay Hopkinton High School graduates James Kayan and Lucas Coffman were named winners of the 2024 Hopkinton Garden Club Scholarships. Both were awarded $1,500 scholarships in the spring. Kayan is pursuing a degree in forestry from the University of Maine, while Coffman is studying marine science and biology at the University of Miami.
rium and press box.
Speaking more about the adaptive/inclusive playground, Rothermich said it must have the following characteristics: be accessible to all, be sensory rich and encourage social play as well as be a safe and supportive environment.
The Marathon School site was chosen after the Adaptive Playground Committee considered 198 townowned parcels, Rothermich said.
Chair Nancy Cavanaugh said the project had been passed over twice before by the CPC but may stand a better chance now these preliminary steps have been accomplished.
Insurance shifts for Hopkins project
Chris Eberly, project manager at Vertex, spoke via Zoom about how the town’s insurer, MIIA, told the district it cannot cover Hopkins School because its renovations include an existing building and that work and the building of an addition will occur when the school is occupied.
He recommended and the committee approved a builders’ risk insurance policy amounting to $245,624 from Atlantic Specialty Insurance Co.
Eberly said the contract requires a transfer of $75,624 from the contingency fund but said there is “ample” contingency left, and the “budget is in a healthy place,” even with this expenditure.
The policy runs from Oct. 1, 2024, until Oct. 1, 2026, and the coverage with MIIA is “on pause” until the policy term ends.
HHS improvement plan unveiled
In other business, HHS Principal Evan Bishop presented the school improvement plan featuring the goals of meeting every student’s needs and building a community of trust and respect.
Both goals involve analyzing assessment data and putting forth effort to try to get better at what the school does, Bishop said.
He reviewed successful rankings for MCAS and AP testing mostly from the mid-80% to 96% range, saying he wanted the success rate to be at 100%.
In another survey, 85% of students said there was more than one person at the high school they could trust and turn to when necessary. Bishop said he wanted that percentage to increase to 100% as well.
Also regarding school climate, Bishop said strides are being made to improve preparation for students going to the workforce rather than to two- or four-year colleges. Data collected from a researcher for 2023 graduates said 92% felt prepared or very prepared for college.
Bishop said students are surveyed twice a year to get a sense of how they are feeling emotionally and physically. Of note, the principal added, is that 30% of female students reported feeling very stressed in the last 30 days (when the survey was distributed).
Of those, most were juniors and seniors. Bishop said it is understandable because at that time of year, they are filling out college applications and facing academic demands.
Nancy Cavanaugh praised Bishop’s “lofty” 100% goals.
“I appreciate you are not just comfortable sitting back and instead are trying to find pockets of places where we could do better,” she said. “[That] serves our students well.”
Committee adopts goals
The School Committee adopted goals very similar to what was adopted last year — focusing on DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion), stewardship of assets and community connectivity.
New members were in favor of the past practices of “listening sessions” and “office hours” as well as nurturing positive relationships with local legislators.
They also spoke about being visible at other town events, using social media responsibly and the positives of sharing ideas and experiences with School Committee members in other towns.
The School Committee will meet next on Oct. 10.
The team’s No. 2 golfer, Schuster was a medalist in five of the first nine matches, helping the Hillers to a 7-2 start. His top round was an even-par 36, and he was averaging an impressive 2.89 over par. “He hits the ball a country mile, and when his short game is on, he is tough to beat,” shared coach Bill Phaneuf, who credits Schuster’s dedication and work ethic. “He has steadily improved this year and is much more consistent. The coaches and I can’t wait to see how far he can go.”
Srodawa won the first dual meet of the season, pulling away from Norwood’s top runner over the last half of the race. “Elyse works extremely hard, logging many miles on her own during the summer, and that sets her up for a strong cross country season,” coach Jean Cann stated of the returning Tri-Valley League All-Star who finished in the top 10 at the divisional meet and 16th at last year’s all-state meet. “She can be very hard on herself, but she is always tough and dependable, no matter who her competition is.”
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Hopkinton Lions capture cricket championship
The Hopkinton Lions cricket team won the New England Cricket Association Division A championship, emerging victorious with a dominant performance against the Daredevils in the final on Sept. 15.
The Daredevils, who reached the final in their inaugural year in Division A, struggled from the outset, facing a relentless Lions bowling attack. Hopkinton’s Parasu Ramanan, Hanumesh Jojode and Sri Keerthi Mady were in outstanding form, consistently troubling the batsmen and preventing any significant partnerships from developing. The Daredevils’ innings crumbled under the pressure, as they were bowled out for a mere 81 runs in just 18.3 overs. Ramanan led the charge with his incisive spell, claiming crucial wickets that
kept the opposition on their back feet throughout.
In response, the Lions approached the chase with confidence. Captain Akash Bogish took charge of the innings, displaying composure and skill. He scored a brisk 40 runs in steering his team toward victory. Tushar Daine provided a solid start, setting the tone for the chase, while Kaushik Balasubramanium ensured a steady middle-order presence.
The Lions completed the chase in just 14.4 overs, finishing at 87 for 3, securing a comfortable win. Bogish’s performance earned him the player of the match award, a fitting accolade for his impactful innings and tactical acumen.
— Text contributed by Ravi Dasari.
HHS Athlete Spotlight Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.
Levi Schuster Boys Golf Junior
Elyse Srodawa Girls cross country Senior
Laura Wauters REALTOR®
The Hopkinton Lions captured the New England Cricket Association Division A title.
SportS
Consistency key for young Hillers boys soccer
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
Hopkinton High School boys soccer coach Garrett Sawyer said the 2024 incarnation of his team will have to “flip the switch” this season as the roster features a number of new players after backto-back years of veteran-laden squads.
“We are getting better, day by day and week by week,” Sawyer said. “This is a group that wants to play better, and they are eager to learn.”
With a young team has come some growing pains, however. The Hillers lost more games than they won through their first go-round playing the other teams in the Tri-Valley League Large School Division. But Sawyer said he has seen flashes of how good the team can be.
“As a group, there is a lot of skill there,” he said. “At times they are playing well, and at times they show their inexperience. There are a lot of instances of good quality play. We are looking for more consistency.”
While much of the team is young,
Hopkinton does feature a few experienced players who Sawyer and the other coaches are counting on to lead the way in 2024. It starts in goal, where Owen Silva, a senior, is back after playing that position for the past couple of seasons.
“He is one of our experienced players,” Sawyer said. “He is a really good shot
Senior Zach Beauchemin (7) is one of the offensive leaders of this year’s team.
stopper and a good anchor in the back.”
Another senior, Jack Graziano, helps out Silva as a defender and holding midfielder. Sawyer praised Graziano for being “confident on the ball.”
“He can distribute the ball and he communicates well on the field,” the coach said.
Up top, senior striker Zach Beauche-
HHS field hockey looks to find its stride
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
With a brand new roster and 11 seniors graduated from last fall, the Hopkinton High School field hockey team needed a bit of time at the start of the season to jell. But coach Ally Valencia said things have been falling into place for her team as the year has progressed.
“We started a little slow, we only have a couple of returning starters, so it’s definitely been a learning curve for the girls and for me as well,” Valencia said. “But we have started to find our momentum.”
The biggest driver behind Hopkinton’s in-season improvement has been getting more experience and comfort playing together, Valencia said.
“They are starting to find passes to each other and connecting with one another and getting more aggressive,” she said. “We are finding ways to pass around opposing defenses and play together as a team. I think it’s just getting that experience playing together.”
Added Valencia, “It’s like one big puzzle when I have a new team like this. I am changing positions around and finding out where the right pieces fit.”
Hopkinton has four captains who all are standout players: seniors Zoe Adams, Maddie Godfroy and Emma Watson, and junior Ella Fowler.
“They knew this year was going to be big in terms of changes on the field,” Valencia said. “The captains make sure that we are staying positive and playing together, and they provide leadership on and off the field. That’s a huge help to me. As a coach, it makes my job that much easier.”
The captains did well to keep the team positive after a few early losses.
“Their ability to keep the team up and motivated has been huge,” Valencia said.
Other returning starters including Abby Burke and Mary Finnegan, both juniors, also have been key cogs for the Hillers.
“They are making a huge impact,” Valencia said. “They are two of our forwards,
SHOOT
min wasted no time contributing this fall, notching multiple goals and assists early in the season.
“He is going to help us a lot on offense,” Sawyer said.
As a team, Sawyer praised Hopkinton’s skill on the ball. A number of players are comfortable receiving the ball and either passing or shooting once they have it.
“At times, we are able to translate this into a lot of good offense and create some scoring chances,” Sawyer said. “But we want more consistency in terms of composure and making the right decision when a player has the ball at their feet.”
Sawyer said the goal, as it is for every season, is to maximize Hopkinton’s potential as a team, be competitive within the league and earn a spot in the state tournament. But success, he stressed, will not be defined solely by wins and losses.
“We try not to emphasize the record too much as a goal,” Sawyer said. “I think we focus more on the process, try to see if we can create a positive team culture, set and maintain high standards for practice, and see how things play out.”
and their speed has been a huge differencemaker on the forward line.”
Hopkinton also has received a lift from newcomer Elena Valis, a freshman who scored four goals through the first five games of her varsity career.
Valencia said her goal is for the team to compete in the Tri-Valley League and earn a high enough ranking in the state tournament to allow the Hillers to host a game or two. She said Hopkinton’s overall positive attitude will be a huge asset that could allow the team the chance to achieve its goals.
“What I love about this group is their belief in their ability to get better. They have this drive to get better every day, and that’s hard to teach as a coach,” Valencia said. “They are starting to trust the process and see the tangible outcomes.”
Coach Ally Valencia talks to her team during a recent game.
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
September 10
12:42 a.m. Officer Kyle Quinzani checked on a motor vehicle parked on South Street and found a person resting. All was OK.
5:06 a.m. A Saddle Hill Road resident reported hearing a male’s voice in her driveway. She called back and re-
ported it was an Amazon delivery driver, and all was OK.
8:02 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker reported a minor motor vehicle accident at EMC Park on Hayden Rowe Street. A report was taken.
8:25 a.m. A caller reported a man yelling at a car on West Main Street and causing a disturbance. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded, and the person was gone upon his arrival.
8:35 a.m. The DPW reported illegal dumping on Fruit Street. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and took a report.
DISCOUNT HEATING OIL
September 11
8:35 a.m. A caller reported a suspicious male walking around Pinecrest Village and trying to get into one of the residences. Sgt. Matthew McNeil and Officer Brian Ziniti responded and reported the person was the brother of the property owner.
11:05 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker took a report of fraud on East Main Street.
12:34 p.m. A Highcroft Way walkin reported civil issues and potential elder affairs. Officer Nicholas Walker responded to the location to keep the peace and reported it was a civil issue only.
1:13 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker responded to Mayhew Street and took a motor vehicle crash report.
September 12
7:49 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street business owner complained of high school students parking at his business. Sgt. Matthew Santoro spoke to the students, and they removed their vehicles.
9:24 a.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro found an iPhone at the high school track and notified the owner.
11:04 a.m. A walk-in reported construction vehicles were blocking the bicycle lane on Hayden Rowe Street. A detail officer was contacted and mitigated the problem.
2:51 p.m. A caller reported a flatbed truck dropped the front end of a pickup truck in the roadway on Cedar Street. Officers Nicholas Walker and Noah Buentello responded, picked up a license plate and reported the truck part was not obstructing the roadway.
3:10 p.m. A walk-in reported when he returned from vacation, he discovered that his motorcycle was stolen some time within the past week or two. No sign of entry was found in his garage. Sgt. Matthew McNeil took a stolen vehicle report.
5:00 p.m. A concerned caller reported an elderly male walking with a cane in the roadway on Clinton Street. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and checked on the man, who was out for his daily walk. All was OK.
5:34 p.m. A caller reported a male was shooting cans on Parker Point Road. Sgt. William Burchard and Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and spoke to the male, who was shooting cans with a pellet gun, and advised him that he could not shoot in a public park. He packed up and left.
September 13
8:04 a.m. Officers Nicholas Walker and Augusto Diaz responded to a motor vehicle accident on Granite Street. No personal injuries were reported. A verbal warning was issued for expired registration and operation of a motor vehicle without a license. Officer Walker transported one student passenger to school.
8:37 a.m. A caller reported a motorcycle speeding on Lumber Street. Officer Augusto Diaz responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.
8:58 a.m. A walk-in handed in an iPhone found on Ash Street.
9:22 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck his parked vehicle on Wal-
cott Street within the past 24 hours. Officer Nicholas Walker responded, reported heavy damage to the vehicle and searched for the suspect vehicle. He pulled nearby camera footage for the investigation.
11:29 a.m. A caller reported contractor theft on Huckleberry Road. Officer Augusto Diaz assisted and took a report.
12:09 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker responded to a report of lowhanging wires on Church Street and contacted Verizon and Eversource.
4:47 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker assisted a duck crossing the roadway on Ash Street.
5:19 p.m. Loss prevention staff at a West Main Street business reported a repeat shoplifter was in the store. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Nicholas Walker and Shannon Beloin responded and took a report.
5:55 p.m. Multiple callers reported hearing gunshots in the area of West Main Street. The Upton Police Department responded, and the incident was logged.
September 14
10:13 a.m. A caller reported a brown and black dog with an attached leash running across Elm Street with no owner around. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and reported the dog was reunited with its owner.
10:39 a.m. A caller reported a hitchhiker on Cedar Street who appeared to be in distress. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded, checked on the man and gave him a courtesy transport to the Southborough train station.
8:13 p.m. A caller reported a loose dog on Ash Street who was running away from Family Day fireworks. The dog, with no collar or tags, was hit by a car. The caller stated that the dog needed to go to a vet. The animal control officer was contacted but was out of town. The dog’s owner subsequently called and reported he was going to pick up the dog on Ash Street.
September 15
11:42 a.m. A caller reported a black Lab wearing an electric fence collar was running loose on East Main Street. The animal control officer was notified and responded. The owner was contacted and picked up the dog.
September 16
2:36 p.m. A caller reported a male and female living between a van and U-Haul truck on Constitution Court and wanted them off the property. Sgt. Matthew McNeil and Officer Nicholas Walker spoke with the parties, and they moved along.
5:19 p.m. A West Main Street resident reported a cat had been hanging around her property on and off for the past two weeks. The animal control officer was notified, and he was to contact Baypath Humane Society in the morning.
10:05 p.m. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil spoke with some youths on Hayden Rowe Street who stated they were picking up balls left behind. They were moved along.
September 17
3:15 p.m. A Constitution Court resident reported someone stole $450 and a computer from her. Officer Augusto Diaz and Nicholas Saletnik responded and assisted.
5:59 p.m. A McBride Drive resident reported she returned home and found her backyard littered with fireworks debris and her pool cover damaged. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report.
7:32 p.m. A caller reported water pouring from a Hayden Rowe Street residence. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and spoke with the homeowner, who was draining water from his basement.
September 18
2:11 a.m. A caller on South Street reported someone was touching him, and yelling could be heard in the background before the phone went silent. Sgt. William Burchard was able to make contact with the reporting person, who stated he had called because his coworker was yelling at him and pushed him, but he was able to walk away and get a supervisor involved. Sgt. Burchard reported all was set.
7:43 a.m. Officers Sean McKeon and Nicholas Walker responded to a motor vehicle accident on Lumber Street and took a report. A courtesy transport home was provided to one involved driver.
8:35 a.m. A Cedar Street business owner complained of a tractor-trailer blocking his driveway. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and spoke with the driver, who was looking for directions and moved along.
9:22 a.m. A caller reported a lost white Samoyed or husky-type dog lost in the area of West Main Street. The animal control officer was notified.
11:03 a.m. A caller reported unemployment and credit card fraud. Officer Nicholas Walker spoke with the caller, who was to file a report at the station.
7:00 p.m. A walk-in reported her daughter was being harassed on the school bus. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted and took a report. The mother was going to try to meet with school personnel the following day.
September 19
1:58 p.m. A caller reported a FedEx truck pulled down a cable wire on Saddle Hill Road. Officer Nicholas Walker responded, notified Verizon and searched for the suspect vehicle.
3:38 p.m. A caller reported a female entered a Main Street business and asked about volunteering, and she appeared intoxicated. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and attempted to find a family member to pick up the individual. She was subsequently picked up.
3:53 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving a school bus and a Verizon truck on Pond Street. Sgt. William Burchard responded and reported no personal injuries to passengers on the bus. A tow truck removed the Verizon truck.
September 20
12:47 a.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded to a motor vehicle crash on Legacy Farms North and issued the driver a civil citation for an open container.
10:41 a.m. A caller reported a parking complaint. Officer Shannon Beloin responded, viewed camera footage and took a report of vandalism on Main Street.
1:36 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell across a trail off Granite Street, and she could not get around it and out of the trail system because of a previous injury. Officer Shannon Beloin responded to assist and contacted the DPW to bring a chainsaw.
September 21
7:56 a.m. A caller reported a large tree fell across the roadway on East Main Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded, contacted the DPW for removal and placed cones in the area. The road still was passable.
12:13 p.m. A caller reported a turtle in the middle of the roadway on Fruit Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded, and the tortoise was gone upon his arrival.
1:18 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted the State Police and Hopkinton Fire Department with diverting traffic off Interstate 495 after a motor vehicle accident involving 10 cars.
4:33 p.m. An employee at a West Main Street facility reported a male in his 60s, who was not a resident, appeared intoxicated. Officer Noah Buentello responded and spoke with the man, who was visiting a resident and checked out OK.
8:30 p.m. A walk-in stated she did not feel well and was dizzy and lightheaded. She did not want to go to the hospital in an ambulance, so she waited for her daughter to arrive at the station.
9:54 p.m. An Ash Street resident reported she lost power, and wires were detached from her house. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and reported the outage was isolated to that area. Eversource was notified.
September 22
3:16 p.m. Multiple callers reported a lowhanging wire on Granite Street. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil responded, removed the wire from the roadway and notified Verizon.
7:24 p.m. A Sterling Drive neighbor overheard some youths talking about knocking over some mailboxes. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and removed the youths.
September 23
1:09 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti moved a large box to the side of the roadway on Wood Street and notified the DPW for pickup.
7:33 p.m. A Leonard Street resident requested to speak with an officer about having someone removed from her house. Officer Nicholas Saletnik called her back twice and was unable to make contact.
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.
Leif Robinson
Leif James Robinson Jr., 59, of Hopkinton passed away at Milford Regional Hospital on Sept. 8. Born in Cambridge and raised in Wellesley, he was the son of the late Caroline (Nason) and Leif James Robinson. He was the husband
of 23 years to Cheryl (Hopkins) Robinson of Hopkinton.
Leif worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years in Framingham. He was an avid darts player and passionate gardener. He was a fantastic brother-in-law and son-in-law — a truly great man whose presence will be greatly missed. Besides his wife, Leif is survived by sister Cara Robinson, mother-in-law Shirley Hopkins, sister-in-law Diane Heller, nieces Nicole Ny and Brittany Heller, and nephew Dillon Olmos, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews. Private family services are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (danafarber.org).
