HI 12.7.22

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT

Fruit Street bridge remains closed as project advances

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently held a virtual meeting detailing the beginning of the construction phase in December of the remodeled interchange between Interstate 495 and Interstate 90, which straddles Hopkinton and Westborough.

As part of the project, one of Hop kinton’s two Fruit Street bridges is being reconstructed (the other also is being redesigned). The area currently is closed to traffic and will remain so for a few more months, MassDOT said.

The highway project is the first complete interstate-to-interstate in terchange project the department has undertaken in its history.

“This is one of the largest projects that MassDOT has ever advertised for construction since its inception in 2009,” said Barry Lorion, MassDOT’s District 3 highway director for Central Massachusetts. The project’s radius is three-quarters of a mile from the inter change point.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

A position change earned Angie Grabmeier more court time for Bentley University’s volleyball team this fall, and the Hopkinton native helped the Falcons capture 23 victories during a successful regular season and secure a berth in the Division 2 NCAA tournament.

“We started off strong this year,” Grabmeier said. “We had a tournament at the beginning of the year and we won every game we played. I think we had a really strong team this year.”

Bentley finished the regular season 23-5 before being upset in the quarterfinals of the Northeast-10 tournament by Southern Connecticut State. The Falcons earned the No. 3 seed in the NCAA

Grabmeier

Bentley volleyball setter Angie Grabmeier finished third on the team in assists as a junior.

PHOTO/JERRY

Hopkinton youth basketball players greet Grant Williams and his Celtics team mates as the C’s head to the court for the second half of their game against the Wizards on Nov. 27 at TD Garden. The Hopkinton players were among those attending the annual Hopkinton Basketball Association Night at the Celtics.

Hopkinton independent

The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial re sponsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three busi ness days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,600 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber

Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett

Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon

Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Chris Villani, John Cardillo, Christine Strickland, Christie Vogt, Jane Bigda, Susan Gonsalves, Courtney Cornelius, Mary Ellen Gambon

Major changes ahead at Hopkinton Drug, Dynasty

There are big moves looming for two local businesses: a change in ownership at Hopkinton Drug and the closing of Dynasty restaurant.

Hopkinton Drug has been run by the Katz family since its opening in 1954. Dennis Katz took over from his father in 1980, two years after graduating from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

Katz recently announced that he is retiring from the pharmacy business but will continue working in formulary research with a new company that he is starting, Hopkinton Research Group.

Hopkinton Drug’s new owner is a Texas-based company called PD Labs, which took ownership Dec. 6.

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY SPAR

“It has been a long and rewarding journey that could not have been possible without all of our amazing staff, patients and doctors from around the country,” Katz wrote in a letter to the community. “We want to personally thank everyone that we have worked with throughout the years. You have touched our lives and our hearts, and for that we will be forever grateful.”

Katz also runs Hopkinton Card & Gift, which shares a storefront with Hopkinton Drug.

Meanwhile, Dynasty has been a mainstay in Hopkinton for almost three decades. Rosie Liang, who has run the Asian restaurant since taking over from her aunt 14 years ago, indicated she plans to retire after the establish ment closes for good next month.

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EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com

Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s name, address and contact information for verification. Letters should be no more than 400 words, and the Hopkinton Independent offers no guarantee that all letters will be printed. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking volunteers and sponsors.

Part of the main dining area already has been separated and rented to another business.

Toys for Tots donations welcomed

As he does every year, Mike Whalen is organizing a local collection as part of the Toys for Tots program.

“As all of us are very aware, life can sometimes be very stressful, and those families struggling to survive have the added burden of providing toys and other presents to their children as part of certain celebrations,” Whalen shared.

Toys for Tots, organized by the U.S. Marines Reserves and the Marine Corps League, has been around for more than 70 years. Toy collection boxes are set out every November all over the country. Hopkinton’s box is at the Hopkinton Police Department and will be open until Christmas Eve.

Organizer Mike Whalen, dressed as the Grinch, stands next to the Toys for Tots donation box at the Police Station with Officer Matt LaTour and daughter Sarah Whalen.

PHOTO/JOHN

Toys for Tots donations welcomed

Donations of new, unwrapped toys for all ages are welcomed. The items will be sorted and, in coordination with other local charities, distributed to families in need.

“Gift-giving can be an expression of love, affection or part of an effort to promote good will and compassion,” Whalen stated. “It has been a human tradition since ancient times, especially during the holiday season.”

Emergency Fund makes appeal

The Hopkinton Emergency Fund recently put out an appeal for donations this holi day season to help serve Hopkinton residents who are in need of emergency financial assistance.

The nonprofit HEF partners with local organizations including Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, Project Just Because, the Hopkinton Senior Center and Saint Vincent de Paul to help identify and support local families in need.

“The need for financial assistance for families in our town when they have experienced unexpected events in their lives has become so real to me as one of the people receiving requests from our partners,” HEF grant co-coordinator Judith Weinthaler said. “These are families that were doing OK, holding down jobs and paying their rent until there was a real emergency — a lost job by one of the parents, a car breakdown, a serious illness, etc. I am proud to be part of a support service to help these individuals and families weather the crisis at least in the short term and feel some hope that they can move forward toward more stability. They have expressed their appreciation for the money and also knowing that people in Hopkinton care for those in need.”

For more information, visit hopkintonemergencyfund.org.

Active Bystander Training session upcoming

The Hopkinton Freedom Team, with help from Hopkinton Youth & Family Services and support from Middlesex Savings Bank, is providing another session of Active By stander Training for ages 13 and older.

The free training session will be held Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. via Zoom. It’s scheduled one day before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday to encourage individuals to observe Hopkinton’s MLK Giving Back Initiative.

Facilitators at True Story Training will present an introductory skill building and instructional workshop on how to be an empowered active bystander. It will include approaches to responding safely and effectively to situations of bigotry or injustice, and learning the basics of how to speak up in different situations, how to engage allies and how to participate in effective dialogue to help build a culture of change in the com munity. Attendees will participate in action-oriented practices and role plays to work through challenging scenarios based on real life, so that they can be better prepared with skills to step in.

Those who have attended a previous session are encouraged to join and share their experiences. For more information and to register, check the Freedom Team website (hopkintonfreedomteam.org).

Veteran thankful for Scouts’ gesture

with integrity, and for the countless hours spent by clerks’ offices and poll workers in every town that help make our elections successful.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

My unexpected and greatly appreci ated act of kindness this Thanksgiving was the gift of an Out Post Farm apple pie from the Troop 11 Scouts. The woman who delivered the pie stated that the Scouts raised money and wanted to share a pie with veterans and seniors.

The Scouts in Hopkinton do a wonderful service in supporting veterans’ activities each Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I know that Scouting was an important part of the raising of my daughters in Hopkinton. I am thankful that the current generation is having this Scouting experience and for all the Scout leaders who give of their time to instill good values in our youth.

— Ken Weismantel, Hopkinton

Arena-DeRosa ready to serve as state rep

I wanted to take a moment and thank all the voters of Hopkinton for participat ing in the recent election, regardless of who you may have supported or how you voted on the ballot initiatives.

I am honored by the outcome and significant support here in Hopkinton in my race for state representative and look forward to getting to know the community better in the months and years ahead.

Thanks also to all those who ensure that our elections in Massachusetts are run

Over the next several months I intend to spend more time engaging constituents on substantive issues to continue to gather an understanding of where and how I can be helpful as state representative. My priorities will flow in part from those community conversations. I have already had the opportunity to spend more time in Hopkinton and look forward to building on community relationships and working with elected and community leaders over time.

Once I am sworn in, we will establish office hours in Hopkinton and explore convenient meeting times, and our team will provide a variety of communication methods so we can be accessible and available to all residents of the district. As I mentioned several times in the campaign, in all my work as a legislator I am commit ted to bringing the voices and perspectives of communities like Hopkinton to Beacon Hill, and am honored to serve as your next state representative.

— James Arena-DeRosa Representative-elect, Massachusetts House of Representatives, Middlesex 8th District

Clear-cutting bad for bird population

I receive informative emails from the Audubon Society and Cornell University,

Clear-cutting bad for bird population

both highly respected avian institutions focusing on birds and their changing populations. Apparently and alarmingly in 2022, many species are in a significant state of decline; across the U.S. there are downward trends in all habitats. From my Hopkinton backyard I have seen all of the species listed below and probably more. I am concerned that with the con tinued rapid pace of development in our town, accompanied by the thorough and dramatic removal of trees and related to the process, the shrinking of woodlands, natural open areas and ecosystems likely will impact the birds that breed here, winter here and remain here through the seasons.

I personally have witnessed the re moval of trees and natural substrate from a development abutting my property and, as always, it was done completely so that not an original tree or fern remains with the exception of a plastic barrier corral ling the small circular area designated as “wet.” The eliminated native trees, shrubs and ground-covering plants will likely be replaced by rows of arbor vitaes and evergreens, but by doing so will cre ate a much less dynamic and specialized habitat for birds and wildlife.

If we don’t attempt to at least scale down the rate, size of dwellings in our town’s growth and the indiscriminate clear-cutting of trees, I wonder how our own bird populations will be impacted in the near future. A good guess is that we will have fewer birds migrating through, breeding and wintering here. Save some of the trees! We need to promptly change

our ways or we will play a role in the decline or disappearance of many bird species. I doubt I will ever see an Ameri can woodcock again in my area; they are shy ground birds that need moist woods and wet thickets. If you ask someone who grew up in the town they remember them as a much more common sight.

Species spotted: Purple finch, barred owl, pileated woodpecker, wild turkey, turkey vulture, red-bellied woodpecker, common flicker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, woodcock, red-tail hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, rose-breasted grosbeak, Baltimore oriole, eastern towhee, catbird, tufted titmouse, grackle, red-winged blackbird, cardinal, blue jay, vireo, pigeon, house sparrow, song sparrow, white-throated sparrow, chipping sparrow, chickadee, house finch, robin, wood thrush, eastern bluebird, pine warbler and cedar wax wing.

— Linda Connelly, Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and com ments 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 con tact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organiza tion or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent of fers 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.

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

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

This beloved annual holiday treat will delight audiences of all ages! Under the direction of HCA Dance Director Jessica Wilson, the cast of 35+ dancers will transport you as they interpret Tchaikovsky’s memorable musical score.

This issue’s winner is Linda Chuss for this photo of sunset at Peppercorn Hill, off School Street. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent. com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

Presents

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

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

opkinton Fire Department Lt. Scott Jurasek was recognized by Massachusetts officials last month for spending about 40 min utes conversing with a distraught teenager on a building’s roof and talk ing the individual down.

Jurasek was awarded a citation for meritorious conduct by Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secre tary Terrence M. Reidy and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey at the 33rd annual Firefighter of the Year Awards on Nov. 18 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

On May 15, the Hopkinton Fire De partment was dispatched to assist when a 14-year-old boy was on the roof of a house, not responding to repeated calls from below, according to a press release from Ostroskey. Jurasek requested as sistance from the Ashland Fire Depart ment’s tower. While Hopkinton emer gency personnel monitored the teen’s location from the street, Jurasek entered the home and went up to the second floor. He climbed out the window and up to a steeply pitched section of roof 40 feet in the air. Over the next 40 minutes, Jurasek calmly built a rapport with the teen, gained his trust and eventually convinced him to accept help.

“Without any safety equipment, but using the most effective tool avail able — his heart — he got the boy into Ashland’s tower bucket and down to safety,” Ostroskey shared.

“Lt. Jurasek displayed incredible calm and compassion during this call, and I am proud of his dedication to the safety of others,” HFD Chief William

Miller stated. “If it were not for his quick thinking, the outcome could have been very different. As a department we are proud that Lt. Jurasek is being recognized for the professionalism he demonstrates every day.”

COVID vaccine clinics upcoming

The Hopkinton Health Department is offering weekly clinics for ages 6 and older to receive the Moderna bivalent COVID booster shot.

The clinics are being held on Tues days from 4-6 p.m. at the Nurse’s Office in the lower level of Town Hall. There are no clinics on Dec. 20 and Dec. 27.

Clinics will resume in January based on supply and demand.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appoint

ments are recommended. Vaccines will be available as supplies permit.

To register, visit home.color.com/ vaccine/register/hopkinton.

Misc.: Winter parking ban in effect

The Department of Public Works issued a reminder about the winter park ing ban that began Nov. 15 and runs until April 1. Vehicles cannot be parked on any street between 1-6 a.m., except for emergencies.

Any vehicle interfering with the DPW’s snow and ice removal efforts is liable to be removed, with the vehicle owner responsible for towing and stor age costs.

Additionally, as per the town’s bylaw, individuals are not allowed to

“pile, push, throw, shovel, plow or by any other method or means cause snow to be deposited or placed on any public roadway or sidewalk of the town so as to impede, obstruct or interrupt or oth erwise adversely affect the unrestricted flow of traffic or the safe travel of any pedestrian on such roadway or side walk.” Violators are subject to a fine of no more than $25 for each violation. …

Applications continue to be ac cepted for the home heating fuel assis tance program through South Middlesex Opportunity Council. The program runs from November to April, and is avail able to all households in Hopkinton if the total household income falls within certain guidelines. For more information or to receive assistance applying for as sistance, call the Senior Center Outreach Department at 508-497-9730.

Hopkinton Fire Department Lt. Scott Jurasek was awarded a citation for meritorious conduct at last month’s state Firefighter of the Year Awards for for climbing onto the roof of a house and talking down a distraught individual.

Parks & Rec discusses sustainability, pending projects

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Parks & Recreation Commis sion at its Nov. 30 meeting learned about the efforts of the town’s Climate Action Workgroup to promote sustain ability and discussed potential ways in which the commission can work with the group.

The Climate Action Workgroup is a subcommittee of the Sustainable Green Committee, explained member Geoff Rowland. The first project it is working on is creating a greenhouse gas emis sions inventory to determine the sources of Hopkinton’s emissions.

“From that, we’ll be making a net zero resolution,” he said, saying that he expects that will be submitted in January. The group also is working on a climate action plan, which it hopes to finalize with the help of the Metro politan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in the spring. Some of its goals would be to promote the use of green energy sources, recommend the use of electric vehicles with charging stations in town to accommodate them, and to promote reuse and recycling.

According to statistics from 2017 presented by Rowland, the “big three” sources of greenhouse gas emissions are commercial and industrial buildings (34.9 percent), passenger vehicles (30.4 percent) and residential buildings (27.7 percent).

One gap in the data, Rowland point ed out, was that there were no figures available about the emissions produced by waste and recycling. He also noted that the impact of deforestation could not be determined at that time.

An issue Rowland brought up specific to the commission was the use of pesticides and artificial turf, which evoked discussion.

Parks & Recreation Department Director Jay Guelfi said that switching to an organic fertilizer for the Town Common had been discussed previously and is “still on the table.” His concern

was the way it would impact the look of the grass for the first few years.

“I need to see a Town Common that has as an organic town common plan,” he said. “If it looks like a tossed salad — which is what I’ve been told by some people that it’s going to look like for a while — I’m going to get a lot of negative feedback about that from a lot of people in town.”

Commission members Dan Terry and Cynthia Esthimer added that the commission previously had looked for examples of other towns that used organic fertilizer so that it could better understand the short-term and long-term impacts. The commission also reviewed a presentation from a landscaping com pany, but it did not find the information it was seeking.

Rowland also brought up the po tential for a “green fund.” He suggested that if solar canopies could be put over parking lots such as those at EMC Park and Fruit Street, the revenue gener ated could be put toward funding other green projects. The money also could be used, he said, to help residents who are economically disadvantaged to convert their home energy sources from gas or oil to solar energy. He said Town Man ager Norman Khumalo would be meet ing with town counsel to discuss that prospect in greater detail. Terry said he knew of a similar program in Medfield.

Terry said a solar canopy wouldn’t be feasible for the Fruit Street lot be cause the infrastructure isn’t there to support lighting for the athletic facility.

“The way solar works is you need to feed the grid to generate revenue,” he explained, noting his expertise in this field.

Terry commended the Climate Ac tion Workgroup for its efforts, noting, “It almost sounds like it’s work that every town needs to do.”

In other news from the Parks & Rec meeting, Guelfi said a bid was accepted for the proposed skate park at EMC Park. Construction is expected to begin next summer.

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

Each week, the Indepen dent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week we feature 2-year-old Layla. Here is Baypath’s de scription of Layla: “Calling all fun lovers, Layla wants to know if you have room in your home for her! This young girl is all about fun! Fun hikes, fun toy time, fun playdates with her friends and fun snuggles to end the day. What a perfect itinerary! What we have discovered about Layla is her love for water. She loves to go for a car ride to a local lake and swim and swim. She actually may be part fish!”

For more information on Layla and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane.org or visit baypath humane.org/adopt.

For more Adoptable Animals of the Week, check the Hopkinton Inde pendent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

MassDOT interchange improvement project enters construction phase

Lorion explained that more than 200,000 vehicles pass by or through the interchange on an average day, which includes 50 percent of the state’s commercial traffic. The need for re configuration of the interchange arose after the removal of toll booths and the installation of the E-Z Pass electronic tolling system.

The goal of the nearly $300 mil lion project is to alleviate what Lorion called “chronic congestion” and correct “substandard geometry” that currently contributes to crashes and rollovers on both roadways. The on-ramps and offramps will be lengthened to provide smoother access, and traffic no longer will have to weave through the old toll areas once the project is completed.

This was termed a design-build proj ect because construction and design ele ments will happen simultaneously over the course of the next five years. There will be public meetings throughout the process, team members explained.

Said Lorion: “We will completely replace the interchange, and it will be unrecognizable from what you see today.”

VHB Design Manager Donald Cooke said construction will begin before the end of the year, with initial work on I-90’s on-ramps and off-ramps. Fiber optic cables will be moved from the median of I-90 to outside its west bound shoulder, as well as from I-495’s median from the MassPike to outside of I-495 southbound.

Cooke explained that the current lane configuration for each interstate will remain at three in each direction. A temporary lane will be installed during the construction period to help traffic flow. The number of lanes will not be increased by the project because of the close proximity of environmental resource areas, which include Whitehall Brook, wetlands and floodplains.

The bridges over Whitehall Brook in Hopkinton and the MBTA commuter rail station in Southborough will be completely replaced, he continued. There will be “minor horizontal and vertical changes” for the new singlelane ramps. Where the on-ramps and off-ramps converge, they will form double lanes.

I-495 northbound will be con structed in the existing median, Cooke pointed out, while the southbound side “essentially stays where it is now.” This allows space for the staging of traffic throughout the construction period. An auxiliary lane will be built northbound from the interchange to Route 9. There will be a new direct lane from I-495 northbound to I-90 eastbound.

A new loop ramp from I-495 south bound to I-90 eastbound is part of a two-lane offramp that will enter I-90 as a single-lane onramp.

“The Fruit Street bridge will be replaced in two major stages,” Cooke added, with work for the interchange project beginning in the next three to six months. There will be one alternating lane of traffic open during the construc tion period. Roadway and utility work are included in this project’s scope, as well as landscaping.

The upper part of the structure of Flanders Bridge in Westborough also is being replaced, Cooke noted.

During the question-and-answer period, Lorion clarified that there are two projects that involve Fruit Street. Separate from this project is the ongo

ing reconstruction of the second Fruit Street bridge.

One commuter to Hopkinton, George Allegrezza, noted the current steep incline at the merge point to get onto I-495 south. He explained there is a “very tight radius” to get into this incline and a narrow merge lane which is difficult for delivery trucks to navigate.

“Traffic following the trucks tends to pop out, move left one or two lanes,

and accelerate quite rapidly up the hill,” he explained, hoping that the new configuration would address that issue.

Cooke explained that all of the radii for the ramps were very tight because people had to stop to pay their tolls manually.

“I could tell you with some confi dence that every one of the ramps will have better radii more suited to the speed that people would like to drive — not

high speed,” he said.

Due to bridge reconstruction, the northernmost section of Fruit Street has been closed since February and will remain closed for a few more months, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced recently.

Because of the sheer traffic volume, this project will not include accelerated bridge replacement strategies because the bridges need to remain open. In ur ban projects, Cooke noted that a bridge could be shut down for a weekend for more rapid construction, but that is not feasible here.

Additional information is provided on the MassDOT website.

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Planning Board continues hearings on Morse Lane subdivision, The Trails

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Planning Board at its meeting Nov. 21 voted unanimously to con tinue a hearing on a proposed family subdivision by the Capobianco family on Morse Lane to give the applicant time to consider if widening the road there would be a viable option.

Attorney Timothy Nealon repre sented the applicants, Raymond and Anna Capobianco. He requested that a condition be removed from a plan ap proved in February 1992 that prevented the subdivision from exceeding four lots. The new proposal sought to al low for the creation of a fifth lot on the existing road.

Chair Gary Trendel noted that the concern being addressed at this meeting was that the removal of the condition that limited the number of lots on the site to a maximum of four — not the creation of the fifth lot itself. He noted that he and other members took a site walk of the property two days earlier.

One issue he contemplated since the site walk, he said, was the vision of the property owners in creating this family lot. He weighed this against setting a precedent by removing something the Planning Board put in place 30 years ago.

“I’m also just very cautious about undoing something that was articulated and specifically put into a previous deci sion,” Trendel noted.

He asked if the applicant would be willing to “bring that subdivision up to our current subdivision standards.” The road, he explained, is “not in great shape,” and he asked Nealon if the Capobiancos would consider widen ing it.

“It would really improve this street in the neighborhood to align it to our current standards,” Trendel said.

Nealon said the applicant had not considered that at this time. While he noted the expense, he said it would not only benefit the two lots under discus sion but also the other homes there. Abutters previously had discussed tak ing over the maintenance of the road.

“The addition of one other lot would help bear the burden of maintaining the

— Chair Gary Trendel

road,” he added. He also said that the neighbors were against widening the road, preferring “to keep it as close to a country lane as they can.”

Member Mary Larson-Marlowe noted that the road is narrow, gravel and open at both ends rather than a cul-desac, which is difficult for fire trucks to access. Her concern was for safety, and she asked that the applicant consider widening the road.

Member Elyse Mihajloski suggest ed that if the condition were removed, another one should be put in its place to limit the number of lots on the sub division to five. Her concern was that it “could open the floodgates” for future applicants. Trendel and member Paul Ostrander agreed on that principle.

Nealon said that the Capobiancos “would fully support” a condition limit ing the number of lots to five. He asked that he have time for the applicants to consider road improvements and speak about it at the next meeting on Dec. 5.

“This isn’t just about this property,” Trendel said. “This is about the poten tial future applications that are hard to predict.”

The Trails hearing continued until Dec. 5

The night’s second hearing on an open space mixed-use development (OSMUD) site plan had to be continued. Engineering consultant Peter Bemis, representing the applicant, failed to at tend the hearing. Phil Paradis, the town’s consultant from BETA Engineering, noted that he still had several questions about the application.

“Just about every one of the requests requires a detail that is not provided,” Paradis explained. “I’m not sure where

the disconnect is.”

At last week’s Conservation Com mission hearing on the topic, Conserva tion Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli said that several of Bemis’s answers to BETA on the application “were vague.” There needed to be more detail provided about watershed plans, riprap and a study by a hydrogeologist.

ANR approved for 43-47 East Main Street

An approval not required (ANR) was endorsed unanimously by the board for 43-47 East Main Street. It involved taking a portion of one lot (43) and add ing it to the adjacent parcel (47). Princi pal Planner John Gelcich explained that the frontage wouldn’t change on either lot and that the lot sizes are conforming.

Joe Marquedant represented the ap plicants who own 47 East Main Street and recently purchased 43 East Main Street. They sought to transfer 2.67 acres to 47 to increase 4.36 acres to 6.93 acres.

ANR approved for 108-110 Main Street

In a similar case, the board unani mously endorsed an ANR for 108-110 Main Street, which involved the swap ping of land from one parcel to another owned by David MacMillan. MacMillan wants to sell 110, and “does not want to look over someone else’s land” from his window, according to Marquedant, who represented him.

SENIOR SNIPPETS

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

Schedule update

The Senior Center will be closed from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2, reopening Jan. 3.

Transportation for seniors

The Senior Center offers transporta tion to and from the center as well as lo cal shopping Tuesdays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents. Those looking for transportation for medical appoint ments or essential shopping should call to learn about transportation options.

Dementia Friends Information Session

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 7-8:30 p.m., St. John’s Parish Center

This 90-minute session is suitable for all adults as well as children in middle school and older. Participants will learn the five key dementia mes sages, the different types of dementia and their impact, what it’s like to live with dementia, tips on how to interact and communicate with people living with dementia, and the small things people can do that will make a differ

Time for New Year’s financial resolutions

can avoid the effects of rising interest rates. If you do carry a balance, you might be able to transfer it to a lowerrate card, depending on your credit score. And if you’re carrying multiple credit cards, you might benefit by get ting a fixed-rate debt consolidation loan. In any case, the lower your debt payments, the more you can invest for your long-term goals.

rofession al i nsights

I

t’s that time of year when many of us promise ourselves we’ll go to the gym more, or learn a new language, or take up a musical instrument, or any number of other worthy goals. But this year, when making New Year’s reso lutions, why not also consider some financial ones?

Here are a few to consider:

• Don’t let inflation derail your investment strategy. As you know, inflation was the big financial story of 2022, hitting a 40-year high. And while it may moderate somewhat this year, it will likely still be higher than what we experienced the past decade or so. Even so, it’s a good idea to try not to let today’s inflation harm your investment strategy for the future. That happened last year: More than half of American workers either reduced their contributions to their 401(k)s and other retirement plans or stopped contribut ing completely during the third quarter of 2022, according to a survey by Al lianz Life Insurance of North America. Of course, focusing on your cash flow needs today is certainly understand able, but are there other ways you can free up some money, such as possibly lowering your spending, so you can continue contributing to your retire ment accounts? It’s worth the effort because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree.

• Control your debts. Inflation can also be a factor in debt management. For example, your credit card debt could rise due to rising prices and vari able credit card interest rate increases. By paying your bill each month, you

• Review your investment portfolio. At least once a year, you should review your investment portfolio to determine if it’s still appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But be careful not to make changes just be cause you feel your recent performance is not what it should have been. When the financial markets are down, as was the case for most of 2022, even quality investments, such as stocks of compa nies with solid business fundamentals and strong prospects, can see declines in value. But if these investments are still suitable for your portfolio, you may want to keep them.

• Prepare for the unexpected. If you encountered a large unexpected expense, such as the need for a major home repair, how would you pay for it? If you didn’t have the money read ily available, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments or retirement accounts. To prevent this, you should build an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses — or a year’s worth, if you’re retired — with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account.

These resolutions can be useful — so try to put them to work in 2023.

If you would like to discuss your personal situation with a financial advisor contact:

Christopher Stevenson

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (774) 991-0781

Christopher.Stevenson@edwardjones.com

Mark Freeman

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017

Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com

present a collection of festive images from medieval times to present day, offering a colorful backdrop to a dis cussion about artists’ creative ways of telling stories.

ence. Call the center to reserve a spot, or email sdocknevich@gmail.com for more information.

Holiday Stress Coping Group

Monday, Dec. 12, 10-11:30 a.m.

Anyone who might be experiencing stress related to the holidays can join two clinicians from Hopkinton Youth & Family Services to share experiences in a supportive environment with others also experiencing holiday stress. This 90-minute group is designed to help identify commonalities among indi viduals and coping mechanisms to get us through the holiday season. Register by calling the Senior Center. Space in the group is limited.

Art Appreciation: Celebrations and Holidays in Art

Thursday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m.

Local art historian Jill Sanford will

Virtual Travel to Lisbon Holiday Lights and Traditions

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1-2 p.m.

Participants will virtually walk to gether through the downtown of Lisbon to see the city’s beautiful Christmas lights while learning about local Por tuguese Christmas traditions. Call the Senior Center for the link.

Hopkinton Physical Therapy Fall Safety Seminar

Thursday, Dec. 22, 1-2 p.m.

Members of the Hopkinton physical therapy team will talk about a variety of health topics related to reducing seniors’ fall risks, including vertigo, sore joints, balance and flexibility concerns. They will talk about ways to reduce fall and balance risk factors as individuals age. Advance registration is requested.

HopkintonIndependent.com

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Dementia Friends Information Session

SportS

HHS lacrosse players finalize college commitments

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School recently held a signing day in which athletes inked their letters of intent to continue their careers at the collegiate level, and a trio of Hillers lacrosse players will be playing at the next level after years of being teammates.

Emma Dacey signed her letter of intent to compete at the University of Connecticut, Emily Hayward will play for Bentley University, and Michaela Scannevin made her commitment to Stonehill College official.

“Signing day was so special,” Scannevin said. “I have played with Emily and Emma for so many years. I love them both and I am so proud of them, it was so special to share that moment with them.”

Joining the three lacrosse players was Keira O’Connor, who signed her letter of intent to join the Holy Cross track and field program.

For Dacey, who committed to UConn a season ago, the

Touring

RE/MAX Executive Realty congratulates award winner Rowan Smith

Rowan attends Hopkinton High School, where he is described by administrators as having shown tremendous leadership. They also note that he is a very kind, polite, genuine and thoughtful student.

actual signing of her letter of intent left her both relieved and even more excited to get to Storrs. She said she recently traveled to the Connecticut campus for her first “official” visit, which included an overnight stay in the dorms with her future teammates and a chance to watch the men’s basketball team play its opening night game.

Dacey admitted that seeing all of those big-time athletes up close was “a little scary at first,” as she realized she soon will be join ing their ranks.

“Seeing that everyone has the same personality as me, it made me feel like I was going to fit in,” she said. “Everyone there wants to work hard but have fun at the same time.”

Dacey said her future college coach, Katie Woods, told her, “You have no idea how good you can be.”

For Hayward, the choice to attend Bentley came down to the combination of a top-notch business program, a competitive lacrosse team and a picturesque Waltham campus that is not too far from her home.

“I grew up playing lacrosse and I just love the sport,” she said. “So being able to play in college was a dream of mine. Bentley has a very driven team and they want the best out of everyone, it’s a great environment.”

Hayward said signing day felt surreal.

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Rowan is involved in Hopkinton basketball, and he works parttime at Hiller’s Pizza. In his spare time, Rowan enjoys drawing as well.

In the future, Rowan hopes to find happiness and success in a media or real estate career. He also wants to run a business and enjoy his job.

Congratulations, Rowan!

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“Growing up, all I thought about was how fun it would be to play in college,” she said. “To have it come true felt great. I felt really accomplished.”

All three players said they have goals to accomplish during their final spring playing together. Dacey said she wants to become more of a threat on the field, while Hayward is hoping to reach 100 career goals. Scann evin, a defensive-minded midfielder, said she hopes to strengthen the offensive part of her game.

“I am very excited for this season,” she said. “I am hoping we can work really hard and make some improvements from last year.”

Asked whether she will be keeping a close eye on the teams at UConn and Bentley in a year, Scannevin was emphatic.

“Yeah,” she said. “Definitely!”

Grabmeier helps Bentley volleyball to strong season

Grabmeier | from page 1 tournament’s East Regional before losing a four-set match to Southern New Hampshire in the opening round on Nov. 17.

Grabmeier, a junior, said her season started a little slow until she moved from defensive specialist to her natural setter position.

Grabmeier had been setting since middle school and throughout her career at Hopkinton High, so she said she was happy to switch spots.

“I proved that I was able to do well and I started the next few games,” she said. “That was exciting. I was happy I finally got the chance to show what I can do and what I was working on. Once I proved myself, I was able to start.”

Grabmeier said she is more comfort able as a setter.

“I like it better because you have more control over the game,” she said. “You’re a decision-maker and you get to make the plays. I feel like I am making more of an impact on the team. I know what plays will

The McBride Team congratulates Rowan Smith on his award for Student of the Month.

HHS lacrosse players (from left) Emma Dacey, Emily Hayward and Michaela Scannevin committed to college programs at a recent signing ceremony.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Miss Tanya’s…

The team’s MVP, Srodawa was a Tri-Valley League All-Star, runner-up at the MIAA Division 1B state meet and 16th at the D1 all-state meet. Her time of 18 minutes, 27 seconds on the Wren tham 5K course is the fastest ever by an HHS runner. “Elyse has a phenomenal work ethic paired with a fierce desire to win,” coach Jean Cann shared. “She competes fearlessly, not letting anyone beat her without a fight.”

Malone is the team’s longest-tenured athlete at four seasons, having started as an eighth-grader. “It has been amazing to see Jack build confidence not only in his basketball skills but also in connecting with and forging friendships with his many teammates over the years,” coach Jay Golden stated. “There is nothing better than seeing Jack clap and celebrate each time he scores a basket. He has been an integral part of our team over the years.”

Senior score

Hopkinton High School senior Emme Joy races into the end zone for a touchdown dur ing the annual HHS girls flag football game on Nov. 18. The seniors beat the juniors, 31-19.

Grabmeier helps Bentley volleyball to strong season

Grabmeier | from page 10 be good in the moment, because I have been doing it my whole life.”

Grabmeier played in all 30 matches during the season and saw court time in 96 sets. She finished third on the team in assists (138) playing in Bentley’s two-setter system.

A well-rounded athlete, Grabmeier also competed on Bentley’s indoor and outdoor track teams during her first two years on campus. She ranks fourth on Bentley’s all time outdoor track list in the triple jump and seventh in the long jump. She also posted the sixth-best school mark in the triple jump during the 2021 NE10 championships.

Her success at Bentley follows a stellar high school volleyball career playing for her mother, Margie. Grab meier was Hopkinton’s captain during her senior year and earned various allstate and all-region honors, along with

being named the Tri-Valley League’s most valuable player. Grabmeier helped the Hillers to four TVL titles and a spot in the Division 1 Central/West final dur ing her career.

In addition to enjoying the chance to play more this fall, Grabmeier said a highlight for her is how well the tightknit Bentley squad has played from the start of the year.

“We had a bunch of returners and we had a feeling that it was going to be a good year,” she said.

Grabmeier said she wants to contin ue to work on getting better on the court and building the relationships she has established with her teammates, many of whom she said will be lifelong friends.

“I just think it’s really cool that I get to play volleyball in college,” Grab meier said. “Not a lot of people get that opportunity. I love the sport, so it’s been great to keep playing.”

Move

coal

NORTH POLE — Santa Claus announced today that he has chosen Medway Oil & Propane as the exclusive resource for high-quality Reading Anthracite coal throughout the greater MetroWest region and eastern Worcester County.

According to one of Santa’s elves, it was very important that Santa chose a company he could count on this winter.

“We were delighted that Santa chose us again this year,” said Jeffrey Mushnick, owner of Medway Oil & Propane. “We have coal that is quite suitable for keeping people warm this winter — and also for filling stockings and decorating snowmen! We offer the best quality coal in the region.”

Even the Naughty Will Get Something!

In a telephone interview this week, Santa Claus elaborated further on his decision.

“We know that Medway Oil & Propane has been offering high-quality Reading Anthracite coal to their customers since 1954,” said Santa. “It was natural for me to select the region’s best coal supplier to handle all of the MetroWest requests we get for a lump of coal.” Based on Santa’s happiness with Medway Oil & Propane, the “naughty and nice” will want to consider them for coal, fuel oil and propane service.

FREE 100 Pounds of Coal and One Pound for Stockings!

Homeowners who heat with coal are invited to receive a FREE 100-pound bag of coal with any coal delivery before January 31, 2023. Call (508) 533-6561 or 1-800-649-5949

. Anyone wanting a few free lumps of coal for stocking stuffers should call for details. Santa hastily ended his press conference to return to his shop in preparation for visiting the MetroWest area later this month.

Elyse Srodawa Girls Cross Country Sophomore

Jack Malone Unified Basketball Junior

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

PHOTO/CONNOR ZANINI

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

guarantees that those who deserve

this year will get it!

4 Hillers earn TVL MVP honors

The Tri-Valley League recently announced its All-Stars, and Hopkinton was well-represented after a memorable fall campaign.

Hopkinton had four MVPs in Sean Golembiewski (boys soccer), Georgie Clarke (girls soccer), Camille Perlov (field hockey) and Craig Salois (boys cross country).

SPORTS ROUNDUP

In addition to Golembiewski, Peter DeMichele, Declan Mick and Dylan Michaud were named All-Stars for boys soccer.

Nina Tzouganatous, Juliana Grontzos and Jo Dupont joined Clarke on the girls soccer All-Star list.

Maura Souza and Lauren Strechay were named field hockey All-Stars.

In football, Justin Sokol, Devin Canty, Robert Litscher, Joe Carrazza, Seamus Murphy and Charlie Petruney were named All-Stars.

Abby Hebert and Abbie Hardenbrook represented the Hillers on the girls volleyball All-Star team.

In golf, the Hillers were represented by Drew Morse, Joe Doyle, Leo Shin mura, Parker Winn, Quinn O’Connor and Connor Hallenbeck

In boys cross country, Lex Kaye, Ben Scott, Stephen Leighton and Wyatt Ruff were All-Stars for the TVL Large champs.

For girls cross country, Elyse Srodawa, Avery Sawyer, Autumn Tumbleton and Bethel Flanagan were All-Stars.

HHS wins T-Day football game

Seamus Murphy scored three touchdowns as the Hopkinton High School football team put the finishing touches on its impressive bounce-back season with a 32-14 victory over Ashland in the annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry game at Hughes Field.

Brendan McGowan, Justin Sokol and Devin Canty were key cogs on a Hopkinton defensive line that caused problems for Ashland all game.

The Hillers finish their season at 8-3, while Ashland ends at 5-6. Hopkinton now leads the series 54-39-5.

“We came out slow in the first half, but in the second half we came out strong — 20-0,” HHS senior captain Braden Hicks stated. “Extremely bittersweet to end the season, but we battled and did everything we could to win. We are an extremely close group of seniors and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Hopkinton opened the scoring with 2:32 left in the first quarter when Murphy took a handoff and raced to the left corner of the end zone from 7 yards out. It capped a drive of almost seven minutes and gave the hosts a 6-0 lead.

Ashland answered on its next possession, scoring on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Dwinnells to Cauan Amaral with 7:56 left in the second quarter. The PAT kick gave the Clockers a 7-6 lead.

Midway through the second quarter, the Hillers punted but recovered a fumble on the return at the Ashland 42. On fourth-and-2 from the 34, quarterback Robert Litscher faked a handoff and, just as he was about to get tackled, flung a pass to Cooper Fossbender on the right side for a first down. Then on fourth-and-5 from the 23, Litscher found Murphy streaking up the middle and hit him in stride for the go-ahead score 1:50 before halftime. A failed two-point conversion attempt left the score at 12-7.

With one second left in the half, Ashland stunned the home team with a 43yard touchdown pass from Dwinnells to Jerry Judge down the left sideline. The PAT kick gave Ashland a 14-12 lead at the break.

The second half was all Hillers, starting right from the opening kickoff. The Clockers squibbed the kick up the middle. Eric Touzjian picked it up at the 30, made a quick fake and then burst right up the middle, racing past the Clockers return team for a 70-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was ruled no good, leaving the Hillers with an 18-14 lead.

On Ashland’s ensuing possession, the Clockers fumbled the ball at their 32 and Hopkinton recovered with 9:48 left in the third. Ashland made things worse with a couple of penalties on the ensuing drive, which ended with another touch down from Litscher to Murphy, this one just inside the pylon on the right side of the goal line. Avery Ravech booted the PAT for a 25-14 advantage.

Hopkinton kept up the pressure on Ashland’s next drive. With Canty closing in on the quarterback and forcing a rushed throw, Hicks intercepted the pass at the Hopkinton 45 and returned it to midfield.

The good times kept coming for Hopkinton, as Litscher unloaded a 49yard bomb up the middle to Joey Carrazza, putting the ball at the Ashland 12. However, three plays later, a Litscher pass intended for his brother, Paul, was intercepted in the end zone by Connor Cowern

It was a minor blip for the Hillers, as, early in the fourth quarter, Canty swarmed the quarterback and forced a fumble. Lineman Evan Van Beek recov ered at the Ashland 39.

Four plays later, Carrazza took a handoff, ran left and raced into the end zone from 8 yards out. Ravech’s PAT made it 32-14, and it was all gravy after that.

McGowan had an interception with 4:47 left on a pass that was deflected by Sokol.

HHS girls cross country 10th at all-state meet

The Hopkinton High School girls cross country team finished 10th at the Division 1 all-state meet Saturday in Devens.

“We were not ranked in the top 10 and we thought we belonged, so our goal was a top-10 finish and we finished exactly 10th,” coach Jean Cann shared.

Elyse Srodawa finished 16th overall, just one spot from earning all-state status. It marked a big improvement for Srodawa, who finished 100th last year. Autumn Tumbleton finished 42nd, Bethel Flanagan was 80th, Avery Sawyer

Defensive back Andrew Budden also had a fourth-quarter interception.

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

Dementia Friends Information Session Dec. 7

Residents are invited to become a Dementia Friend by attending an interactive and engaging Dementia Friends Information Session at St. John’s Parish Center on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Attendees will learn the five key dementia messages, the different types of dementia and their impact, what it’s like to live with dementia, how to in teract and communicate with people living with dementia, and small gestures that make a difference. For reservations, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-4979730. The session, open to residents of any town, is suitable for adults and children in middle school and older.

Holiday Doll Display at Historical Society Dec. 10

The Hopkinton Historical Society will host a Holiday Doll Display on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. More than 100 collector dolls will be on display, ranging from the 1800s to the 1960s. The Historical Society is located at 168 Hayden Rowe Street. The event is free and open to the public.

Treblemakers holiday concert Dec. 11

The Treblemakers community chorus will present its holiday concert, A Celebra tion of Peace in Harmony, on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale via the HCA website (hopartscenter.org).

Active Bystander Training Jan. 15

A free public workshop focused on Active Bystander Training will be held Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The workshop, sponsored by the Hopkinton Freedom Team and Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, with support from Middlesex Savings Bank, is appropriate for ages 13 and older. It will be led by facilitators from True Story Training. For more information and to register, check the Freedom Team website (hopkintonfreedomteam.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, 508497-9730.

Trails organizations seek monthly volunteers

The Hopkinton Trail Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC) and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. Residents also are encouraged to inform these groups of maintenance issues observed on trails (downed trees, trails becoming overgrown, etc.) by emailing TCMCchair@hopkintonma.gov or hopkinton.trails. club@gmail.com. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Al-Anon weekly meetings Thursdays

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

was 96th and Bridgid Cavanaugh was the Hillers’ final scorer in 127th place.

“Everyone raced tough, and I’m proud of their effort,” Cann added. “We lose Autumn next year from our top seven, and obviously that is a big loss in many ways — not just from her top places, but also her leadership and dedication that rubs off.”

Also at the all-state meet Saturday, the HHS boys capped their memorable season by finishing 15th.

Wyatt Ruff finished first for the Hillers, followed by Craig Salois, both under 17 minutes. Ben Scott crossed the line in 17:10, followed by Connor Dorfman in 17:14 and Lex Kaye in 17:28.

“I was really happy and proud of them, they raced their hearts out,” coach Laura McKenzie shared. “Our first five finished within 30 seconds of each other and were able to pack up. The course was slow and times were a little off across the board.”

Added McKenzie: “We accomplished what we set out to do this season, won the [Tri-Valley League] Large, won the varsity showcase meet, placed fifth at Ocean State Invitational and finished fourth in the Division 1B meet, qualifying for the all-state meet! I would say we had a great season!”

December 10 | 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.

The South Asian Circle of Hopkinton is excited to have our gala after a gap of two years. We can’t wait to see you all. Let’s get together to hug old friends, make new ones and celebrate Diwali as one big community! The cultural performances for the evening will highlight the life and accomplishments of 12 extraordinary South Asian women who are trailblazers in different walks of arts, sciences and humanities. We also have engaging and fun activities for kids throughout the event with counselors and volunteers to work with them.

Treblemakers Holiday Concert

December 11 | 3:00 p.m.

Join HCA’s adult community chorus, the Treblemakers, for their annual winter concert filled with holiday favorites. There will be light refreshments after the concert. Directed by Eric Miller.

Ayla Brown Christmas December 17 | 8:00 p.m.

The HCA is excited to welcome back country music singer and Country 102.5 morning show co-host Ayla Brown to our stage for a special holiday concert. Ayla will perform your favorite Christmas classics and sing a special original Christmas song. Tap your feet and sing along to fun cover songs and ones that Ayla has written. Join us for a magical evening of music and storytelling!

The Nutcracker Ballet December 18 | Noon and 4:00 p.m. This beloved annual holiday treat will delight audiences of all ages! Under the direction of HCA Dance Director Jessica Wilson, the cast of 35+ dancers will transport you as they interpret Tchaikovsky’s memorable musical score. The running time of the show will be 8090 minutes. And as an added treat, Santa Claus will be on hand for a meet and greet after the show with cookies and cocoa!

The Nutcracker will be performed at the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium (88 Hayden Rowe Street in Hopkinton).

HopkintonIndependent.com

DiwHoliday Gala at HCA

School budget plans include requests for personnel

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

High school

On behalf of the high school, Principal Evan Bishop out lined some of the areas contributing to a proposed 5.6 percent increase in the fiscal year 2024 budget.

He’s requesting the addition of a media specialist to work in the library at a cost of $72,053. Bishop noted that the school currently does not have a librarian. The area is staffed by a paraprofessional.

With the addition of “a beautiful new space,” there are a lot of opportunities for learning that could be implemented there, he said.

Additionally, the budget calls for the addition of a 12-month guidance secretary. Bishop explained that there currently are two 10-month guidance secretary positions. One of those would be cut if the measure is approved.

Someone is needed over the summer months to work on scheduling, transfer students, transcript requests and other business, he said. “For a school our size, it is only appropriate to have a 12-month position.”

Other personnel he is seeking includes 2.2 positions at $172,774 to cover increased enrollment next year as well as 1.2 positions costing $86,484 to be placed across different departments to address large class sizes.

On the expense side, Bishop noted that of 34 non-payroll accounts, 19 are either level-funded or show decreases. The 15 remaining accounts have three showing increases of $2,500 or more.

Some of the higher requests are for general supplies, art supplies, new equipment such as a copier lease and a tuba, six new science lab tables and six new bookshelves on wheels for the library space.

Bishop said enrollment at the high school as of Oct. 1 was 1,236, and 30 more students are expected next year.

Middle school

Middle School Principal Matt Lefebvre talked about the three proposed new positions and elimination of one position in the proposed FY24 budget, which has a 5.5 percent increase overall.

The requests, totaling $161,547, are for one librarian (the school has been without one since FY20), one physical educa tion/wellness teacher (class sizes are nearly 30 students) and a 10-month clerical position in the guidance office.

The paraprofessional position covering the library would be changed to a library media specialist and the original role

eliminated if the plan gets approved.

Lefebvre said he wants someone to help manage the guidance office and tri age student issues. He acknowledged that some students might have to see a counselor quickly and the position could free up time for the counselors to do interventions while the clerical person handles paperwork.

School Committee member Holly Mo rand said she likes the sound of a counsel ing center and asked if the position would be filled by a person with mental health training. Lefebvre replied that it is being considered and would be put into the job listing. He said from past experiences, the secretary shares a wonderful bond with the children and that can work out well.

“It’s a responsible budget that will go a long way in meeting students’ needs,” Lefebvre said. He said that he is always actively looking at enrollment (currently at 976 students) and “the middle school is cozy these days.”

Athletics

Athletic Director Kiely Murray said her department’s budget reflected a 5.9 percent increase, or $81,963. She said an increase in athletic fees helped to offset the budget by $30,000.

She noted a request for the addition of an assistant varsity coach for the golf program.

Murray also explained that an increase of 13 percent ($156,085) in expenses largely is comprised of renting pool time since Keefe Tech closed its pool.

Some of the funds are to provide for a safe facility where cheerleaders can go and practice their tumbling once per week and avoid injuries, she said.

Another hike in expenses would cover costs of maintaining portable toilets, Mur ray added.

Curriculum/instruction

Assistant Superintendent Jeff LaBroad outlined his total preliminary budget in cur riculum and instruction of $1,635,107, a 4.3 percent or $67,256 increase.

The $1.4 million total for personnel shows salaries, a 0.4 clerical support posi tion ($20,000 currently grant funded) and curricula stipends of $40,000 for curriculum development, professional learning and in support of educators working outside of school hours.

The expense account is up 3.3 percent ($4,430) for a total of $139,000 and includes textbooks and English learner supplies.

SPED positions a point of contention

At the public comment portion of the meeting, discussion continued about the need for more special education (SPED) therapists and opposition to proposed cuts in that area.

Jennifer Halliday, liaison to the admin istration from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), said people were “left in the dark” until recently about proposed new administrators and the pros pect of cuts for people trying to “meet the growing, more complex” needs of students.

Said Halliday: “Staff morale appears to be in the toilet.” She said that counting people’s caseload numbers does not give a

Student hit by car in HHS driveway

Dear Community,

everyone to be extra vigilant at drop-off and pickup times. Safety is paramount for every member of our school com munity and broader community.”

SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK

Hopkinton Public Schools Superin tendent Carol Cavanaugh reached out to the schools community Nov. 21 to share that a middle school student had been struck by a car that morn ing. The student was in the crosswalk of the high school driveway, Cavanaugh stated, and the car was moving “very slowly at the time, so the student was able to walk away from the accident.”

“We are sure that many people saw emergency personnel out in front of the high school/middle school complex this morning,” Cavanaugh continued. “So, we are writing to let you know that the student is OK.”

Cavanaugh thanked Hopkinton’s emergency personnel as well as the HMS nurses for their quick responses.

“The area in front of the high school/middle school is very busy in the mornings,” Cavanaugh added. “Because there are so many buses, parent drivers, student drivers and walkers, we implore

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

The Roosevelts At Christmas

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2-3 p.m. (virtual)

In tis virtual program, attendees will learn about the customs and traditions followed by the Roosevelt family as they celebrated Christmas, one of their favorite holidays of the year.

It’s Now or Never with Judah Leblang

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

“It’s Now or Never: My Life in the Late Middle Ages” is a mostly humor ous look at getting older, trying to live a creative life and dealing with times when “man planned and God laughed.” Judah has done his shows live/in person at Fringe Festivals in the U.S. and Canada,

SPED positions a point of contention

true reflection of their work. “Teachers and professionals are not factory workers. Our children are not widgets.”

She urged the committee to listen to the concerns of the staff, answer their calls for additional support and trust them.

Cristina Medeiros also called pro posals to eliminate SPED staff “shortsighted.” Medeiros said she works as a speech/language therapist in a neighbor ing town and Hopkinton is not immune to the shortages for occupational, physical and speech therapists.

Medeiros said school administrators should not be basing their decisions by looking at schedules, because they are not in the field and “service delivery de terminations” should be made by licensed professionals only.

She added that one service provider for 60 students is unacceptable and warned the staff Hopkinton maintains will burn out eventually and look for jobs elsewhere.

“You should cherish and care for your therapists,” Medeiros said. She added that it made her sad to see teachers “begging for help,” saying, “Listen to them.”

HMS Drama Club presents ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’

The Hopkinton Middle School Drama Club presents Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” on Dec. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. in the HMS auditorium.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchant ress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults and will be sold both at the door and online.

and won Best of Festival at the 2019 Calgary Fringe.

Monthly Music & Movement

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 11-11:45 a.m.

Recommended for ages 0-5, this program is a children’s concert with per former Rock-a-Bye Beats. This program is funded by Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library.

Author Talk: Nicole Eustace

Wednesday, Dec. 14, noon-1 p.m.

Individuals are invited to explore early American history during an online afternoon conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Nicole Eustace as she discusses her 2022 award-winning book “Covered With Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America.”

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adult of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome. This group will meet on the second and last Wednes days of each month from 6:30-7:#0 p.m.

Best Bike Rides in New England

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 7-8 p.m.

Author David Sobel will give a pre sentation based on his new book, “Best Bike Rides in New England,” in this Zoom webinar. Sobel will reveal some of his favorite rides, discuss the variables he uses when designing a ride, explain how to design rides using online tools like Map My Ride or Strava, advocate for incorporating bike riding 3-5 times a week into personal wellness goals, and suggest a great ride in or around the community.

Friends of the Library annual meeting Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6:30 p.m.

The annual meeting of Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be held in the Strong Room at the library. All mem bers are invited to attend. The agenda will include the election of officers, approval of the dues structure and affirmation of regular business. The annual meeting will be followed by the January board meeting.

After many years Hopkinton Drug, Compounding & Wellness in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, is selling its pharmacy practice. Dennis Katz, after a long career, will be retiring from the pharmacy business and continuing his work in formulary research with his new company, Hopkinton Research Group.

PD Labs, in Cedar Park, Texas, has purchased the pharmacy practice. Their compounding pharmacists and technicians are a group of consummate professionals that are well equipped and trained to continue to fill your compounded medications with uninterrupted service.

On December 6th, 2022, all compounding prescriptions were transferred to PD Labs. Please contact PD Labs with any questions.

It has been a long and rewarding journey that could not have been possible without all of our amazing staff, patients, and doctors from around the country. We want to personally thank everyone that we have worked with throughout the years. You have touched our lives and our hearts and for that we will be forever grateful.

Sincerely, Dennis S Katz RPh 508-435-4441 www.rxandhealth.com 52 Main Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 Dennis Katz - owner dkatz@rxandhealth.com

512-219-0724 https://pdlabsrx.com/ 101 Commercial Pkwy Cedar Park, TX 78613

Ray Solano - owner rsolano@pdlabs.net

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.

Monika Lee

Monika (Franz) Lee, 83, of Hopkinton passed away on Nov. 11 at home surrounded by her family.

Monika was born Feb. 23, 1939, to Dr. Anselm and Dagmar Franz in Dessau, Germany. She lived for a short time at a U.S.-occupied base after World War II and immigrated to the United States at age 7. In 1959, Monika very proudly gained full U.S. citizenship.

Monika lived in Connecticut during her formative years, attended Milford High School and continued her studies at Becker College in Worcester.

During her life, Monika embarked on several journeys of faith and spirituality. She studied reiki and energy healing. During her 22 years in Durham, North Carolina, she embraced several Eastern philosophies including yoga and meditation. In 2008, after relocating to Massachusetts, she found her com munity in Christ.

Monika had several artistic passions. She enjoyed pho tography and was a talented painter. She found beauty and inspiration in nature, particularly in the ocean, flowers and birds. She had a passion for dogs. Her greatest joy was being a mother and spending time with her family.

Born in Milford, she was the daughter of the late John and Martha (Thurlow) Edmunds. She was raised and educated in Hopkinton.

Priscilla was employed as the office manager for Silna Machine Co. in West borough prior to her retirement. She also enjoyed glassworks.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother, Norman J. Ed munds of Hopkinton, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held Nov. 21 in Pine Grove Cemetery, Westborough.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.

Evelyn Mulcahy

Evelyn R. Mulcahy, 92, died of natural causes in Sandwich on Nov. 1.

She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Paul D. Mulcahy, and her sister, Joann Duffy of Texas. She leaves behind two brothers, Francis and Joseph Marquedant, both of Hopkinton, and eight children, Mi chael Mulcahy, Patrick Mulcahy, Maureen

in a banana costume!) and countless half-marathons and other races, qualifying for the Boston Marathon in December 2021. Her other accomplishments include speaking at a TEDx conference, her pho tography, facilitating workshops for thousands during the COVID-19 pandemic, being a Syracuse alumna mentor, fostering dogs and enveloping all those around her in love.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ryan Foisy, her parents, Andrea and Geoffrey Temple, her brother, Dan the Man, and her sister, Kelsey. To uphold her memory, we ask for donations to SPIN, an organization that supports people with intellectual disability and autism. It is a nonprofit organization Hailey held close to her heart and was her chosen charity for numerous races. Please visit spininc.networkforgood.com/projects/28631-spin or send a check to SPIN, 10501 Drummond Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.

Jeanne Martin

Jeanne M. Martin, 81, of Hop kinton passed away Nov. 23 at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham after a long battle with dementia. Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Nina (Hamilton) and Edmund Christian of Westbor ough. She was the wife of 64 years to Joseph A. Martin.

In addition to raising her family, Jeanne had many jobs. Some of her most memorable were her years serving as a school nurse at Keefe Tech Regional High School and waitressing at the Sticky Wicket Pub, where she made many friends. She was an avid pet owner, always having dogs or cats in her home. More than anything else, Jeanne loved all the babies she held over the years. She also loved reading, swimming in her pool and watching the birds at her feeders. Jeanne was a wonderful cook and served many Sunday dinners and holiday meals to her entire family over the years.

Besides her husband, Jeanne is survived by her children, Toni Alexander and husband Scott of Hopkinton, Laura McLaughlin and husband Mike of Mendon, Marie Clark and husband Ken of Hop kinton, Lisa Carty and husband Eric of Hopkinton, and Jeannine Collins and husband Brian of Douglas, in addition to her 12 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. Jeanne was predeceased by son Peter Martin and grandson Michael McLaughlin. Services are being held privately and are under the care of Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a dona tion to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Kunjung Park

Kunjung Park, 95, of Leomin ster passed away peacefully at home on the morning of Nov. 17, surrounded by her loving family.

Kunjung was born in Seoul, South Korea, on April 3, 1927. She was the third out of 10 children. She graduated from a teacher’s college in South Korea. She worked as an elementary school teacher for 34

years in South Korea. After she came to the U.S., she was a homemaker. She moved to Leominster 30 years ago. She enjoyed her grandchildren, traveling and attending her church.

She was an active member of the Korean Presby terian Church of Greater Boston in Hopkinton. She was predeceased by her husband, Mr. Taeyun Park, who passed away in 2016. Kunjung is survived by three children, Suhyun Park, Eusuk Park and husband James Eby, and Eunju Milhans and husband Charles Milhans; five grandchildren, Jennifer Franco, Vic tor Franco, Elizabeth Milhans, Jackie Milhans and Charles Milhans Jr.; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held at Richardson Fu neral Home, Leominster, on Nov. 30, followed by a graveside service at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.

Anne Maguire

Anne M. (Murphy) Maguire, 84, of Southborough died Nov. 19 at Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton.

Anne was born in Clinton, the daughter of Henry J. and Mary F. (McLaughlin) Murphy. She gradu ated from Sacred Heart Academy in Worcester in 1956. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Fitchburg State Teach ers College in 1960 and a Master of Arts in teaching in the field of English from Assumption College in 1967.

She met the late William T. Maguire, her husband of 37 years, at the Cox Street School in Hudson in 1965. Anne moved to Southborough in 1970 and became an active member of St. Anne Church. She continued to work as an elementary school teacher in Hudson at the Forest Avenue School and St. Mi chael’s School. Though she was quick-witted and loved to laugh, Anne will be perhaps most remem bered for her kind and generous spirit. She worked hard, often with a smile, to help those around her and to stay true to herself and what she valued: faith, family and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her son, Paul H. Maguire, and her four older siblings, Daniel H. Murphy, Mary E. (Murphy) Dunker, David I. Murphy and Gertrude (Murphy) Gregory. She is survived by her son, Mat thew W. Maguire and wife Lindsay of Scotts Valley, California; her grandson, Kai W. Maguire; her sisterin-law, Sheila (Maguire) Wilson of Southborough; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral Mass and graveside service for Anne will be arranged and held next spring. Services are under the care of Morris-Johnston Funeral Home.

Cindy Walsh

Cindy L. Walsh, 64, died Nov. 26 after a courageous year-long battle with GI cancer. Daughter of the late Paul E. Murphy and late Nancy (Jennings) Murphy of Needham, Cindy is predeceased by her dear husband, Brian J. Walsh of Hopkinton. She leaves behind her daughters, Kirstin

Click and husband David of Upton, Kelly Burke and husband Michael of Needham, and Kara Francis and husband Zac of Adelaide, Australia; and her five beloved grandchildren, Brian, Esme, Evie, Lila and Liv. She also leaves behind her brother, Paul. E. Murphy Jr. and wife Karin Murphy of Chester, New Hampshire, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Cindy was a graduate of Needham High School, Class of 1976, and spent time in the Army as a dental assistant. After raising her girls, Cindy continued her career as a dental assistant for 23 years, working in Ashland for Dr. Rosenthal, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Silva, who along with her co-workers she considered her second family. What Cindy cherished most in life was being a Mimi to her grandbabies.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to DanaFarber Cancer Institute and extends their gratitude to Dr. Peter Enzinger and nurse practitioner Michael Casey in addition to her larger care team.

A funeral mass was held Dec. 6 at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Hopkinton, followed by a burial at Mt. Auburn Cem etery, Hopkinton. Services were under the care of the Matarese Funeral Home of Ashland.

ARRESTS

November 17

2:24 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle parked in a bad spot on Fruit Street. Officers Cody Normandin responded and subsequently arrested a 45-year-old Marlborough resident on a warrant.

November 22

5:25 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on West Main Street. Officers Matthew LaTour and Cody Normandin responded and caught up with a 26-year-old from Upton and arrested him for OUI Liquor.

November 15

6:45 a.m. While on traffic enforcement on Spring Street, Officer Nicholas Saletnik was flagged down by a passerby who stated she heard a loud bang outside her home the previous night at 11:30, and in the morning she noticed damage to her stone wall. Officer Saletnik took a crash report.

8:18 a.m. The school bus company complained of an er ratic driver on Connelly Hill Road. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and advised the operator of the complaint.

10:29 a.m. A caller reported vandalism on Ash Street. Officer Tyler Staback responded and took a report.

11:38 a.m. A caller reported suspicious activity on Proctor Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Sean McKeon responded and reported people doing estimates in the area.

1:53 p.m. A walk-in reported someone filed tax returns in her son’s name. Officer Tyler Staback took a report of fraud.

4:12 p.m. A Dale Road resident reported a vehicle driving up and down the road. Officer Robert Ekross responded and as sisted the operator, who was broken down and awaiting a tow.

4:35 p.m. A Summer Street walk-in reported her husband possibly was missing. Officer Cody Normandin took a report.

November 16

12:27 a.m. A Lincoln Street caller re ported an electrical wire on fire across the street. Sergeant William Burchard and Of ficer Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department and reported a pole on fire. Eversource also responded.

12:06 p.m. A walk-in complained about a person who yelled obscenities at her and possibly threatened her. Officer Tyler Staback assisted and took a report.

12:13 p.m. A walk-in reported a civil dis pute in which a neighbor’s dog was barking in the early morning hours. Sergeant Arthur Schofield referred the person to the animal control officer.

1:51 p.m. An Autumn Ridge Drive caller reported someone cut the wires on his holi day lights. Officer Tyler Staback responded and took a report of vandalism.

3:14 p.m. A caller reported suspicious activity of a male selling alcohol and mari juana to underage kids. Officer Cody Nor mandin assisted.

8:04 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator swerving and driving at a very low speed on Elm Street. Sergeant William Bur chard and Officers Cody Normandin and Matthew LaTour responded and caught up with the operator and spoke with him and found no signs of impairment.

9:23 p.m. A Revolutionary Way caller wanted it logged that a vehicle followed her off the highway and the driver may or may not be the person who has a restraining order against her.

November 17

2:26 p.m. An Elm Street resident report ed she was scammed out of money. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil took a report of fraud.

4:53 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

5:52 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin as sisted a vehicle stuck on Lumber Street and took a crash report. A tow truck removed the vehicle.

6:20 p.m. A Lorigan Road caller reported hitting a deer earlier and wanted the incident logged.

November 18

1:04 p.m. A caller reported finding a 2- or 3-year-old boy wandering around on Dogwood Way. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Shannon Beloin responded and took a report. The mother was subsequently found and the child was reunited with her.

2:37 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious incident in which a young child was in the roadway of East Main Street. The child subsequently walked to a driveway. Sergeant William Burchard responded and checked the area with a negative find.

5:32 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour re sponded to a motor vehicle accident on Main Street and took a report.

November 19

2:53 p.m. A motorist complained of a ve hicle passing four cars at a time on West Main Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded. The vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

4:23 p.m. A motorist reported he was run off the road on Chestnut Street by a white pickup truck and wanted the incident logged.

10:46 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator driving down Hayden Rowe Street toward the center of town. Officer Robert Ekross caught up with the vehicle in the high school parking lot and everything checked out OK.

November 20

7:58 a.m. Officer Sean McKeon reported traffic lights not functioning properly on Hayward Street and notified the DPW.

1:55 p.m. A caller reported a fallen tree in a Granite Street driveway, a foot away from a pole. Officer Tyler Staback responded and notified Eversource, Verizon and the DPW.

3:07 p.m. A caller reported a male riding a dirt bike on Cedar Street with no helmet. Officer Robert Ekross responded and the rider was gone upon his arrival.

4:10 p.m. An Ash Street resident reported a bull in her backyard. The animal control officer was con tacted but unable to respond. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and reported the bull seemed to have gone back into the woods.

5:10 p.m. A motorist reported he hit a deer on West Main Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and reported no personal injuries.

November 21

8:28 a.m. Multiple callers complained of speed ing on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and completed checks.

8:55 a.m. A Stone Crossing Way resident reported a loose bull was back in her yard. The animal control officer was notified.

1:46 p.m. Officers Matthew Santoro and Sean McKeon responded along with the Fire Department to a report of the odor of gas and a noise at Elmwood School on Elm Street.

4:13 p.m. A caller reported the vehicle parked next to her on Hayden Rowe Street dented her car door, and there was minor paint damage. Officer Tyler Staback spoke with the reporting person.

November 22

3:01 a.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik checked on an unoccupied vehicle on Elm Street and found significant damage to the passenger’s side. The vehicle was secure.

8:51 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a deer on Cedar Street. Officer Shannon Beloin responded, viewed the damage and took a crash report.

3:17 p.m. A caller reported a hitchhiker getting in the way of vehicles on West Elm Street. All units were advised.

8:53 p.m. A caller reported a female driver struck a garage on Main Street and drove away. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Basit Dennis, Matthew LaTour and Cody Normandin responded. The Ashland Police Department subsequently located the driver.

November 23

5:41 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Brennan Grimley responded along with the Fire Department to a motor vehicle accident on Chestnut Street. Two people were evaluated and no personal injuries were reported.

7:31 a.m. A detail officer reported a dead cat in the roadway of Main Street. The DPW was notified.

9:03 a.m. On Hayden Rowe Street, Officer Bren nan Grimley spoke with the vice principal about harassment and photos that were taken. A report was to follow.

12:57 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Inde pendence Place. No personal injuries were reported.

1:13 p.m. A caller reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Bren nan Grimley responded and checked the area with a negative find.

4:34 p.m. A caller reported a fox jumping around on Cedar Street. Sergeant William Burchard responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:17 p.m. A Hazel Road resident reported hear ing gunshots in the area. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and found all quiet upon arrival.

6:45 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with the Fire Department to Poplar Lane to a report of the odor of natural gas.

6:55 p.m. A Park Street caller reported losing a white cat with gray markings. The incident was logged.

November 24

6:14 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle on Walcott Street had a door open. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and reported nothing appeared to be miss ing, and he closed the door. No suspicious activity in the area was found.

9:02 a.m. A caller reported an unwanted dog at

tached to a tree in a front yard on Elm Street. The animal control officer was contacted to handle the issue.

9:58 a.m. A Wedgewood Drive caller reported his and his neighbor’s mailboxes were damaged overnight. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and reported a vehicle hit the mailboxes, and she found pieces of the vehicle on scene. A hit-and-run motor vehicle accident report was taken.

2:24 p.m. A caller reported a single car accident with no personal injuries on School Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Robert Ekross responded along with a tow truck.

November 25

11:46 a.m. An Overlook Road resident reported his mailbox was vandalized. Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.

12:31 p.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Shannon Beloin responded to a motor vehicle accident involving three cars on Chestnut Street. No personal injuries were reported.

12:41 p.m. An Autumn Ridge Drive resident reported his Christmas decorations were cut. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and took a report of van dalism.

1:40 p.m. A caller reported a dog running in the roadway of Rocky Woods Road. Officer Sean McKeon responded. The dog was gone upon his arrival.

November 26

1:25 a.m. A motorist reported a female in a red shirt and black pants walking down an Interstate 495 ramp. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and located the woman on West Main Street. She stated she was go ing to try to find a ride to a Franklin motel. The State Police were notified.

5:50 a.m. A Glen Road caller reported that about 30 minutes earlier someone may have attempted to break into her home. She heard the door handle being turned and her dog was barking. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Brennan Grimley responded and searched the area with a negative find on anything suspicious.

8:30 a.m. A caller reported a small black and white dog was loose on School Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and notified the animal control officer.

11:57 a.m. A walk-in reported he witnessed a male steal a traffic cone in front of 85 Main Street. Officer Sean McKeon checked Main Street with a negative find.

12:51 p.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan assisted a disabled motor vehicle on Grove Street that ran out of gas.

November 27

1:30 a.m. Sergeant William Burchard assisted the State Police with a traffic stop on West Main Street and a subsequent arrest for OUI liquor.

9:33 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported construction occurring in violation of town bylaw. Of ficer Sean McKeon responded and spoke with contrac tors, who were to pack up for the day.

2:19 p.m. A caller reported smoke in an East Street building, and he didn’t know where it was coming from. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Sean McKeon responded along with the Fire Department.

8:01 p.m. The State Police reported an accident on Ramp 1 off Interstate 495. Officer Robert Ekross responded to West Main Street and assisted both driv ers. No personal injuries were reported.

November 28

9:14 a.m. A caller requested to speak with an officer about credit card fraud. Officer Brittany Firth assisted and took a report of larceny.

9:40 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported a lost dog. The animal control officer was contacted.

2:28 p.m. A caller reported finding some items left at EMC Park on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Tyler Staback responded and reported the items did not seem to be related. The items were left at the park for later recovery.

5:35 p.m. A motorist reported he hit a rock on West Elm Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and requested a tow truck.

5:54 p.m. A walk-in requested to speak with an officer about suspicious activity at one of the schools. Officer Brennan Grimley assisted and took a report.

7:05 p.m. Police Chief Joseph Bennett came across a disabled motor vehicle on Main Street and assisted.

Everyone is invited

Everyone is invited

Everyone is invited

Games • Music with the Rabbi

Games • Music with the Rabbi

Games • Music with the Rabbi

Everyone is invited

Games • Music with the Rabbi

Make your own Menorah & Clay Dreidel Best Latke Contest Snacks & beverages served

Make your own Menorah & Clay Dreidel

Make your own Menorah & Clay Dreidel Best Latke Contest Snacks & beverages served

Best Latke Contest Snacks & beverages served

December 18, 10-11:30 am - Ashland Middle School

December 18, 10-11:30 am - Ashland Middle School

December 18, 10-11:30 am - Ashland Middle School

December 18, 10-11:30 am - Ashland Middle School

K-5th Grade: $5/child by 12/16 or $7 at the door

K-5th Grade: $5/child by 12/16 or $7 at the door FREE for pre-K

December 18, 10-11:30 am - Ashland Middle School

K-5th Grade: $5/child by 12/16 or $7 at the door FREE for pre-K

K-5th Grade: $5/child by 12/16 or $7 at the door FREE for pre-K

Join us for a HANUKKAH CELEBRATION! shaareishalom.org

Join us for a HANUKKAH CELEBRATION! shaareishalom.org

K-5th Grade: $5/child by 12/16 or $7 at the door FREE for pre-K

For details and payment contact Lisa Brown school@shaareishalom.org

For details and payment contact Lisa Brown school@shaareishalom.org

Join us for a HANUKKAH CELEBRATION! shaareishalom.org

Join us for a HANUKKAH CELEBRATION! shaareishalom.org

For details and payment contact Lisa Brown school@shaareishalom.org

For details and payment contact Lisa Brown school@shaareishalom.org

High

Make your own Menorah & Clay Dreidel Best Latke Contest Snacks & beverages served shaareishalom.org

September 9th – 19th for more info: shaareishalom.org 508-231-4700

September 9th – 19th for more info: shaareishalom.org 508-231-4700

508-231-4700

Religious School now enrolling PreK – 7 email: school@shaareishalom.org Open House - September 30th, 10am - noon

Religious School now enrolling PreK – 7 email: school@shaareishalom.org Open House - September 30th, 10am - noon

Religious School now enrolling PreK – 7 email: school@shaareishalom.org Open House - September 30th, 10am - noon