HI 2.22.23

Hayden Rowe tabbed as preferred site for Elmwood replacement

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

TheElementary School Building Committee on Feb. 13 voted unanimously (7-0) to choose a preferred schematic option called Hayden Rowe Village East, featuring three stories and three wings, for the Elmwood School replacement project.

The committee has been weighing the pros and cons of various designs at two sites: Elm Street (Elmwood’s current location) and Hayden Rowe Street. Members decided to incorporate some village features — such as separating the cafeteria and gymnasium, locating them on opposite sides coming through the main entrance.

Also up front will be the media center and guidance and administrative offices, while behind that will be three academic wings. Arranging the private and public spaces this way appealed to several members, with School Committee member Lya Batlle-Rafferty repeating her comparison to a house, putting the main rooms like the living space at the center of the home while smaller rooms like

Divided Select Board passes on RECC

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

Adivided

Select Board at its Feb. 14 meeting decided not to sign an intermunicipal agreement to form a regional emergency communication center with Southborough, Westborough and Grafton.

The vote was 3-2 against the RECC, with those in opposition stating much more information is needed before they could be convinced this is the right move.

Board member Muriel Kramer noted that residents are opposed to joining the RECC and expressed sympathy for the town’s dispatchers, as all of them would not have been

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Individuals in the audience at the Feb. 14 Select Board meeting — most of whom were there to express their opposition to the RECC — listen as board member Shahidul Mannan shares his thoughts on the matter.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

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Pregnant pause: Harriet gives birth

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Harriet is a heifer no more.

As it turns out, the cow who made news last year after escaping from a slaughterhouse was pregnant as she lived life on the run up and down Ash Street.

No one was more surprised than the Varner family, who took in Harriet in late November after she wandered onto their small Ash Street farm.

Because Harriet was so underweight following her journey to freedom, the Varners did not anticipate another addition to the family.

“About two weeks ago she started to show an udder, and I saw it,” Curt Varner shared on Feb. 14, five days after Harriet gave birth. “So, I should have known. But because she was so thin, we didn’t conceive that she could have been pregnant.”

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY

SPAR

A veterinarian who visited only weeks earlier also didn’t catch on to the situation.

Eventually, Curt and his wife, Eve, started to suspect something was up. On Feb. 7, Harriet backed up into the pasture, and Eve sensed it was time.

“I was out on the tractor doing something with the other cows and Eve called out to me,” Curt recalled. “I looked over, and Harriet had her calf walking beside her, cleaning her off.”

The new cow is called Poppy.

“She’s just really doughy and fresh-eyed and just sort of popped out,” Eve explained. “There isn’t much more to the name than that.”

Independent thoughts | 3

PHOTO/VARNER FAMILY

Harriet shows off her newborn calf, Poppy, who was born Feb. 7 at the Varner family’s Ash Street farm.

Harriet only recently had been moved out of the pen she had been sharing with the Varners’ sheep and joined the farm’s four other cows.

After the birth, Harriet and her calf were relocated into a small pen so they could have some privacy.

“Harriet’s being an amazing mom,” Eve said. “We worried, would she connect, would she be a good mom? We were worried that we would have to intervene. But she’s a great mom. She’s super protective.”

The other cows have been supportive as well, licking Poppy through the fence as she sniffs them.

“The other night she was out with them running around,” Eve said. “But we’re worried that she’ll jump through the fence [that borders the property], so we keep her in the small pen.”

What the future holds is anyone’s guess. The Varners already were stretched thin before adopting Harriet. Now they have a sixth cow on their hands.

“We’re really pressured on the space here,” Curt said. “We’re going to play it by ear and see how things go.”

World War II veteran Russ Phipps displays some of the military memorabilia he received at a Feb. 14 pinning ceremony.

Phipps gets pinned

World War II veteran Russ Phipps was honored Feb. 14 with a military pinning ceremony at his Winter Street home.

“Today with gratitude may we recognize and honor veteran Russell Phipps for your military service in the United States Army,” said Michelle Graham, a hospice liaison who led the ceremony. “You gave your all when you were called upon to serve and protect our country. We pray that you will be blessed for your service and struggle to selflessly preserve freedom and safety for all of us.”

The 101-year-old Phipps remained as grateful and humble as ever as he sat among family and friends.

“If I could do it over again, I would,” he said, adding that he would be at the front of the line to sign up one more time.

“If they need me, I’m available,” he said with a laugh. “I’m not in such a good position to help as much as I did, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. … I believe in doing anything I can do to preserve our great Constitution. Our country is worth every bit of it. Every bit.”

Parks & Rec will miss Hart

The Parks & Recreation Department has a lot to look forward to, with a number of initiatives in the pipeline and program attendance at record numbers.

However, the department took a hit this month with the departure of Jenny Hart, one of the assistant directors for the past seven-plus years.

“We’re happy for her that she’s going back to what she loves, doing graphic design,” Parks & Rec Director Jay Guelfi said. “But it’s impossible for me to overstate the value she brought to our organization. Working with moms groups to remake the EMC playground, redoing the skate park [also at EMC Park] — although not finished yet, she got it off the ground and helped get it funded — overseeing the basketball program, she did a lot.

“During COVID, Jenny was the one who — just with her own sheer creativity and will — brought new programs to the residents that could be done remotely. She really shined during COVID when we didn’t have much to offer. She had a lot of great ideas, and took those ideas and made them real, delivering them to the public so that people could have recreational options that weren’t necessarily traditional but gave parents something to keep their kids engaged.”

Church info clarified

Two clarifications from last issue’s story on the closing of Community Covenant Church, courtesy of member Mary Overholt:

Around the time of the pandemic, the Covenant denomination was one of the fastest-growing and ethnically diverse in the country, but the Hopkinton church did not have similar success.

While Highrock provided Hopkinton a pastor and use of worship materials, the parish never officially became part of the Highrock network of churches. There was an agreement between the parties with the goal to make Hopkinton a member, but Highrock determined it was not feasible.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

UCTC needs better oversight

On Feb. 2, the Hopkinton Independent reported on the Upper Charles Trail Committee (UCTC) meeting regarding discussion of two citizens’ petitions for Town Meeting articles. One article would reorganize the committee under the umbrella of the town’s Trails Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC), and the other would prohibit future spending on a trail along and crossing Hayden Rowe between Nos. 147 and 192. Regarding the petitions, the UCTC chair rhetorically asked, “What is the rush?” As one who signed the petitions, I ask, WHAT WAS THE RUSH to spend $140,000 of local and state taxpayers’ money for preliminary design of a trail around Marathon School and adjacent town land that will only lead to a route along and crossing Hayden Rowe. The School Committee had voted not to support the route around the school, and the Hayden Rowe route has met with overwhelming public resistance due to safety concerns and impact on private yards and driveways. The proposed articles now seem the only recourse to stop this runaway train.

In December 2021, the UCTC held a public meeting about its proposed routes — including that along Hayden Rowe, which crosses the road three times, goes along the roadside for 2,400 feet, crosses approximately 15 driveways, and crosses either Chestnut Street or Teresa Road. Comments at the meeting were overwhelmingly against the Hayden Rowe route. Despite public opinion and the School Committee’s negative vote (Jan. 13, 2022), in February the UCTC applied for a state grant with town matching funds for preliminary design of the route around the Marathon School that would only make sense if the trail continues down Hayden Rowe.

In April 2022, the UCTC held a public “workshop” where participants could indicate whether they “like” or “dislike” various alternative routes. The route along Hayden Rowe received 23 dislikes and zero likes. The Marathon School route received 11 dislikes and six likes. An alternative route through wooded areas west of the Charlesview neighborhood received two dislikes and 17 likes. Despite having this information on public preferences, the UCTC proceeded to accept

Great Realtors

Teacher, Fire and Bursting Pipes!

1. Austin and Carter hate their teacher and post disparaging comments about him online. The teacher finds out and sues Austin and Carter’s parents for defamation. Would their homeowner policies provide any help with coverage?

2. Aub burns his brush pile without contacting the fire department. Strong winds cause the fire to get out of control, and his neighbor’s shed is burned down. Would Aub’s homeowner insurance help protect him?

3. Chris and Kaila go to Florida for the winter and turn off the heat in their home to save money. While they are away, a pipe in their home freezes and bursts, causing serious damage. Would their homeowner insurance cover the claim?

Answers: 1. Maybe. If their parents have ‘Personal Injury’ coverage then their homeowner liability coverage would respond. 2. Yes. Liability coverage would respond. 3. No, because they failed to adequately maintain the heating in the home.

and expend the grant.

The UCTC has a difficult job, but it needs to focus on routes where more feasibility study is needed and there is likely public support, rather than wasting more money on a route the public does not want. The TCMC has the broader perspective to oversee the UCTC’s work.

— Chuck Dauchy, Hopkinton

New direction needed for UCTC

At the Feb. 2 Upper Charles Trails Committee meeting, the UCTC chair made an opening statement about two citizens’ petitions seeking articles on the Annual Town Meeting warrant targeting the UCTC and its future work. As it relates to petition organizers and the timing of the petitions, the chair rhetorically asked, “What’s the rush?”

I’d offer this explanation: First, there is no rush. The UCTC was organized in 2012. Ten years later, not one yard of trail has been built. I’ve been patient for 10 years. My patience is wearing thin.

I am also wondering just how much more taxpayer money the UCTC will spend for engineering segments that will never be built? Let me explain. The UCTC’s proposed Segment 7 runs along Hayden Rowe and crosses it three times in just under three-quarters of a mile from the EMC Park entrance to Granite Street. When initially proposed at a public input session in December 2021, Segment 7 was overwhelmingly opposed by most of the 70 residents in attendance. In the past year, the town has surveyed the impacted area of Hayden Rowe and concluded the trail cannot be built within the town’s right of way without either a major street relocation or property takings from homeowners along Hayden Rowe. I don’t believe either will happen, which means Segment 7 cannot be built. That hasn’t stopped or slowed down the UCTC from spending $199,000 on engineering Segment 5 from Center Trail to Hayden Rowe and $140,000 on engineering Segment 6 from the EMC Park entrance around Marathon School and back out to Hayden Rowe. Segment 6 was unanimously opposed by the School Committee in January 2022 when the UCTC presented its route plan. The sole purpose of Segments 5 and 6 is to connect Center Trail to Segment 7, which is not likely to be built. So, did the UCTC just waste $339,000 of taxpayer money engineering a trail to nowhere?

Since the UCTC’s proposed route was made public nearly 14 months ago, I and others of like mind have lobbied the UCTC and the Select Board to stop spending public funds to engineer the controversial segments and to explore other options. All to no avail. So, what’s the rush? No rush here, just trying to get your attention, UCTC. You’ll have another opportunity to hear that residents don’t support your plan at Town Meeting.

— Steve Frohbieter, Hopkinton

Church closing part of bigger picture

Thank you for sharing the news about the closing of Community Covenant Hopkinton. The story of a church cannot be told in just dates and numbers but must include the story of the Spirit working among them. This church at many points during its history responded to the call to step out in faith. Most recently, in 2019, after years of declining attendance, the church formed a discernment group to try and figure out a direction. The group learned practices for coming to unity, not becoming attached to particular outcomes, and listening to the spirit in silence.

The discernment group carefully explored many options, and, after 19 months, came to unity on reaching out to the Highrock network of churches to become a part of them. Although this did not work out, the church saw a huge amount of spiritual growth as members learned to listen together and set aside their own desires. These disciplines gave them the strength to eventually make the difficult decision to close this past year.

Our culture values success, and even churches compete to provide a “product” that will attract the most “customers.” So, for many the closure of a church might be considered a failure. But it is never a failure to listen and get direction from the Spirit and to lay down your own desires for the good of others. In this case, the funds from the proceeds of the sale of the building will go to plant new Covenant churches. The church sensed God smiling on them in their decision.

The final service was held Dec. 11, which was the third Sunday in Advent, the Joy Sunday. The date was chosen as a convenient date that worked for the conference, but later, longtime members remembered that the third Sunday of Advent had been very significant in the church’s history for a few reasons. One of which was that the first worship service in Hopkinton was held on the third Sunday of Advent 47 years ago. So, without any planning or foresight on their part, the church held its final service exactly 47 years after their first service in Hopkinton. The Spirit is pulling all things together still.

— Mary Overholt, Upton

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

Select Board OK’s HHS car parade for ‘final year’

AdividedSelect Board on Feb. 7 agreed to approve a graduation car parade for Hopkinton High School’s Class of 2023, but with the understanding that this will be the final year for the event.

A vote simply to approve the parade failed, 3-2, leading to a second motion to allow the event but with the condition that it be discontinued after this year. That motion passed, 4-1.

Concerns were raised about the impact on emergency access and the disruption to traffic. It was noted that when the parade was first held in 2020, it was intended to be a one-time event to recognize those students who had most of their senior year celebratory events canceled (with a scaled-down graduation postponed until that summer).

However, despite objections from emergency personnel, the graduation car parade returned in 2021 and 2022.

Class President Shelby Jones and Student Council President Daniel D’Alleva noted that the Class of 2023 was the last class that experienced a COVID interruption at the high school, so having one more parade would tie it all together.

They shared that organizers addressed some of the emergency access concerns, such as shortening the route by a couple of miles (to 4.2), eliminating some main roads and only taking right turns.

Fire Chief Bill Miller said that during the first HHS car parade in 2020, there was an issue getting to a medical emergency on Chestnut Street. He pointed to Ash Street — part of the current route — as a key concern due to it being so narrow.

Police Chief Joseph Bennett added that the parade is “very disruptive” and leads to angry motorists.

Select Board member Irfan Nasrullah said he was reluctantly opposed to the event due to the public safety issues. Mary Jo LaFreniere and chair Amy Ritterbusch said they were OK with this year’s event as long as it was the final one.

Muriel Kramer and Shahidul Mannan pushed for the parade to continue as an annual event, noting that the town is able to accommodate the Boston Marathon as well as the Little League parade and, prior to the pandemic, the July 4 Horribles parade. Kramer added that events such as the junior prom and back-to-school nights disrupt traffic as well. She encouraged making adjustments as needed to keep the event running.

“I think the COVID pandemic gave us a beautiful event,” Kramer said. “I’d be delighted to see it continue.”

Added Mannan: “We’re the Marathon town. We can figure it out and handle this.”

After the initial vote failed and the condition was added, Kramer expressed her frustration and took exception with the board “making a decision for a future board.”

Said Kramer: “If we can’t figure out a parade, I don’t know what we’re doing.”

At the Select Board meeting the following week, the issue came up again.

Kramer made a point that all parade organizers can apply for a permit before the Select Board, no matter what a previous Select Board may have stated.

LaFreniere apologized for voting that the parade should be the final one but said she is very concerned about safety. She said she has seen distracted drivers in the event as well as students standing in and/or riding on the back of Jeeps or convertibles and “ready to fall out” of the vehicles.

Budget, bylaw hearings Feb. 28

The town announced that the Select Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7:45 p.m. on the proposed fiscal year 2024 comprehensive budget, which includes operating budgets and capital project requests.

The board is seeking comments, questions and ideas. The meeting will be held in Room 215/216 at Town Hall, 18 Main Street. Remote participation is available via Zoom, with the link on the web meeting calendar listing for the meeting at hopkintonma.gov and on the Select Board meeting agenda.

Comprehensive budget information is available at the town website.

That same night, at 7:15, the Select Board will hold a public information session on the proposed general bylaw amendments that are on the warrant for Annual Town Meeting.

Proposed general bylaw amendments include changing the leash bylaw to indicate dogs must be leashed when off their property at all times, a new shortterm rental bylaw, and a bylaw that seeks to limit shooting at gun clubs to indoors so as to reduce noise pollution.

Stormwater survey underway

The town is encouraging residents, business owners and property owners to take part in a public survey on stormwater flooding.

The survey, available at surveymonkey.com/r/5YYPMNX, closes Wednesday, Feb. 22.

As part of the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant, the town is working with a team of consultants (Tighe & Bond of Westfield) to assess areas of concern in the town’s stormwater collection and distribution system.

The town applied for the BRIC grant in 2020 following the completion of the 2020 Hazard Mitigation-Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan. The plan identified stormwater flooding as a component of two of the four main hazards affecting the town.

“We value the input of the Hopkinton public and ask residents, business owners and property owners to complete this survey, as well as encourage their neighbors to provide feedback,” DPW Director John Westerling stated.

“Community input will help us identify problematic areas in town and better the infrastructure in those areas using the BRIC grant funding.”

Misc.: Board appointments made

The Select Board appointed Paula Haas to fill a vacant seat on the Council on Aging, while Suzanne Green was tabbed to fill a vacancy on the Historic District Commission.

The board also accepted the resignations of Carly Grant and Ashley Fogg from the Youth Commission and Peter Johnson from the Upper Charles Trail Committee (associate member). …

The Select Board accepted a donation of $1,227 for the Hopkinton Public Schools from the residents of Legacy Farms North Phase 3.

Conservation Commission split on gas pipeline at Mass. Laborers facility

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Conservation Commission at its meeting Feb. 7 approved 4-3 the notice of intent hearing on the Massachusetts Laborers Training facility’s initially proposed gas line under the Wetlands Protection Act, the preferred option of the developer, after some concessions were reached during the meeting.

But under the town bylaw, the margin was 4-3 against the measure. On the initial vote, members Melissa Recos, Kerry Reed, Jim Ciriello and chair Jeff Barnes voted in favor, with Janine LeBlanc, Ted Barker-Hook and Ed Harrow dissenting. Ciriello was the additional dissenter on the second vote.

The project, located at 37 East Street, has been discussed over the course of several months. The main point of contention has been the location of the initially proposed gas line that would involve site work on the Clinton Street right of way from Front Street.

The gas line, which project attorney George Connors continually has stressed is the preferred option for the developer, would run through the main campus and necessitate the removal of about 100 trees. It would begin at Clinton Street and cross the campus, going behind the Maloney maintenance building. It then would continue around the pond to the ball field area and end at the dormitory building.

At the last meeting, three alternative routes were proposed. Some members and abutters preferred the route that would run from Clinton Street to East Street, known as alternative four.

Connors initially discussed the fourth alternative. He noted that this proposal would result in a 629-square-foot stream crossing, which would be greater than the one on the first route. He introduced Tom Giola, the vice president of project management for Standard Builders. Giola explained that he has been “in contact with Eversource” as an intermediary on the project.

Barnes asked about Giola’s role in this process, as it was unclear to him. Giola said his role is “helping with

things like the gas” so that there is “a chain of communication with Eversource.”

The fourth alternative would cause some scheduling problems, Giola explained. It took nine months to get internal Eversource approval for the initially proposed route. To go through the same process for the fourth alternative would take another “six to nine months,” he said. The delay would mean that there would not be natural gas available for the facility in the fall. The campus systemwide would have to use propane tanks and plumbing, so the entire campus system would have to be converted for its use and then changed back for natural gas later.

As a compromise, Connors explained that a portion of the initial gas line has been moved outside of the riverfront area and into a part of the site that previously was disturbed. The two staging areas also have been moved outside of the buffer zone “to the maximum extent practical,” he added. After Barnes questioned him, Connors said he could move one entirely out, as well as proposed another small one near where the stream crossing would occur.

Connors also agreed that the trees removed around the gas line will be replaced at a ratio of two to one, depending upon the trees’ dimensions. There was a discussion as to what height and caliber the replacement trees should be.

Recos noted that putting all of the replacement trees in the area around the pipe might inhibit their growth, so some might benefit from being placed in another area of the site. Connors agreed with board members that the laborers would work with Conservation Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli to determine the best areas for the trees and other plantings that would help screen the project from abutters.

The notice of intent on the construction of a fire pond was continued until the next meeting on Feb. 28.

Turkey Ridge struggles with erosion controls

The other major case discussed was the Turkey Ridge Estates proposed development at 52 Cedar Street Extension, near the Southborough border. At the previous meeting two weeks earlier, the commission voted to issue fines for the violation of erosion controls witnessed by Ciaramicoli on Dec. 29, prompting her to issue a partial cease and desist order on construction. Those fines have been held in abeyance to allow the developer time to correct the problems.

Part of the issue is the result of the land’s challenging topography, Ciaramicoli explained during her presentation. She outlined the areas where sedimentation washed out into the riverfront. The area’s steep slopes direct water toward the Sudbury River, and recent rainfall has exacerbated the situation. There are two basin areas near the river’s edge, but they have not been fully constructed. Their completion would help the situation, Ciaramicoli said.

“You’ve got to be on fire to get those things installed,” she said.

She noted that on Jan. 26, there was another significant rainstorm that caused “additional areas of violations.” Turbid water had breached the basin areas, causing sedimentation to flow. In response, the developer placed hay bales to control the erosion, which Ciaramicoli showed in photos. The applicant also had constructed a dewatering area, which she said had been doing well in controlling the water until the last storm.

While the developer did make progress in placing stormwater control barriers on the site including mulch, erosion control blankets, a swale and hay bales, Ciaramicoli stressed that more work needed to be done. Two areas have not been addressed, she explained, noting “there is a large area of unsecured soil at the site.”

“I know that the applicant is trying to get there, but I would love to see more,” she added. “More mulch, more blankets.”

Barnes told developer Shane Perrault that Ciaramicoli also noted that the site has been “minimally staffed,” which did not reflect the urgency of the situation from his perspective.

Said Barnes: “I’m not quite sure that you get the gravity of what we’re requesting.”

Perrault countered that he and his crew have been working diligently on the erosion problem. There has been a construction supervisor on site “every single moment anyone’s been on that site,” he explained. He also switched contractors to Goddard Engineering and added more personnel. Retaining walls will be built by the end of the week, which will be “a huge accomplishment” to complete the basins.

“The month of January will probably go down as the hardest month of construction I’ve dealt with,” he added. He noted that the vast shifts from warm and rainy to frigid and snowy weather have caused delays.

Goddard representative Andrew Thibault said one of the two main breaches occurred outside of the buffer zone. Seeding would help, but it cannot be done until the spring. The sites will continue to be monitored and addressed.

Harrow explained the complexity of the site, which he previously walked with Ciaramicoli.

“The horse is already out of the barn,” he said, noting that silt fencing was not done properly. “I was very dismayed, and I’ll leave it at that.”

Barker-Hook noted the expanses of exposed soil, questioning why the area could not have been mulched six weeks after the initial violation.

Perrault said that one of the areas is under construction for a pond, and the area of greatest flooding is where he has concentrated his efforts.

“Everywhere that you can stabilize on the site collectively is going to improve the water quality,” Ciaramicoli replied. “All of the small areas you can stabilize will make a big difference cumulatively.”

Barnes said the fines for both violations are being held in abeyance. Ciriello said this situation is “out of control” and that fines should be collected from the developer.

Added Harrow: “I look at this as a platoon on this job, and we need a brigade.”

Perrault said he will put “every man I have” to work on stabilizing the site.

ESTATE

Home prices are headed higher

In2021, we saw a great increase in the Metrowest Boston home sale prices — up 26.5 percent in some towns. In spring 2022, while some buyers were hoping for a recession and for prices to decline, other buyers were out buying at full force and taking advantage of low interest rates, driving up prices once again, with multiple offers ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 over the asking price on many homes.

The inflation rate was out of control at 9 percent. The Federal Reserve’s goal was to raise the federal funds rate gradually to get above the inflation rate and get consumers to stop buying to bring down the inflation rate to 2 percent. In one year, the Fed raised it from 0.25 percent to 4.75 percent as of February 2023. As a result, banks also increased mortgage interest rates from about 3 percent in May to about 6.5 percent last year. Buyer activity slowed to a halt and homes started to sit on the market. Homeowners needing to sell dropped their prices to try to motivate buyers to act. The Fed’s strategy has been successful thus far, as the inflation rate quickly dropped from 9 percent in May to 6 percent in December. Currently, mortgage interest rates dropped and are at about 5.75 percent.

In January 2023, we started seeing a frenzy of buyers coming out. New buy-

ers are entering the market and existing shoppers are getting more acclimated with the current interest rates. Consumer confidence is increasing to the point where buyers are financing with 3/1, 5/1 and 10/1 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) at reduced rates, betting/hoping that the rates will come down before their interest rate locks expire. A home at 5 Turnbridge Lane in Hopkinton welcomed over 75 parties for a viewing. Once again, when homes are priced right, we are seeing multiple offers and the houses flying off the market.

Low inventory and high demand equals multiple offers and home prices heading up. This spring market, expect home sales prices to increase over last year. We are in an eight-year housing shortage. Combine that with record high rent prices and continuous relocation, and more buyers are entering the home buying market. National Association of Realtors (NAR) economist Lawrence Yun predicts that in 2023, home prices will increase 5 percent, while Realtor. com is more optimistic, predicting a 10 percent increase in home values over 2022.

Spring homes coming to market that are priced right once again are receiving lines at the open house doors and selling over asking, which is a sign that we will have an exceptional spring market. Are you ready?

Planning Board addresses issues with Grasshopper Energy solar farm

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

At its meeting Feb. 6, the Planning Board chastised the proponents of two major projects that have dragged on for years to get their plans promptly in order, including the Grasshopper Energy solar array’s planting plan.

Grasshopper Energy’s 2.4-megawatt commercial solar farm between Wilson Street and Cedar Street evoked the most vocal criticism from Planning Board members. The applicant came before the board with an amended special permit application to address landscaping and screening modifications the board requested previously.

Electrical engineer Chris Balogh explained that his firm “jumped the gun” by proceeding with a screening planting plan that veered from the original plan without appearing before the board beforehand. He requested its input on how to “provide optimal screening” for the abutters of the solar voltaic array. There are three areas of the property that he wanted to address.

“The original plan didn’t provide a lot of details into how to plant the trees or where to plant the trees,” he said. Later in the discussion, the applicant noted that the planting plan was provided by the previous solar developer and approved by the board, but it was not feasible to implement for Grasshopper because it wouldn’t provide optimal screening. Balogh proposed putting larger trees on the northern section of the property.

“As a board, we certainly look at what was committed to and recognize that there are times when things need to be changed,” said chair Gary Trendel. He noted that Wilson Street is a scenic road, and its character needs to be maintained.

As the hearing went on, Trendel and other members made it clear that it was not the board’s responsibility to provide what the exact plantings need to be. Those decisions would fall upon a landscape architect. When Balogh said he needed direction from the abutters as to the plantings they would want, Trendel noted that they already have been “explicit” during this process.

Principal Planner John Gelcich explained that the original

special permit was issued in 2019, and the amended one was issued in 2021 for the layout of the solar panels “but not for landscaping.” He noted that the initial plans “did not indicate which species were going where” and that native plantings must be used.

“They promised — and we put in the conditions — that before any plantings were done, they would have to come back to me to review the plan before they planted them to see what was changed,” he said. “They did not do that.”

Instead, he explained, “they planted a significant reduced amount of plantings that were almost only arborvitae.”

“The argument from the applicant was, ‘Well, we can’t actually plant the plan that was approved,’ ” Gelcich continued, “which was really frustrating because it was the applicant’s plan.” Grasshopper submitted the exact planting plan that the previous owner proposed.

“It’s up to you,” Trendel told Balogh about updating the plan. “You know, we’re not the design group here.”

What further jolted committee members was when Gelcich said Grasshopper has been “generating energy and I assume generating revenue” while not receiving final approval of the plans from the board first.

Gelcich explained that while it was believed that the company could not do that until obtaining a certificate of occupancy, it is legal for Grasshopper to connect to the solar array without town approval.

Ahmed Hafez, representing Grasshopper, confirmed to the board that it is “connected to the grid and generating energy now.”

“I’m rather perplexed as to how this can be happening without us releasing the applicant of its requirements,” said board member Ron Priefer, noting that he was “rather taken aback” at hearing the news.

Hafez explains that a certificate of completion is required for operation — not a certificate of occupancy. He added that the company is “committed to completing all our obligations.” He encouraged the board to schedule a site visit to talk about the plantings.

Said Trendel: “It’s worth noting that there is still action that the Planning Board can take.”

The current special permit could be revoked, which could trigger a decommissioning of the site, he explained. But right now the applicant “is following the correct path” by working on an amended screening planting plan.

Trendel added that while Grasshopper has continued to seek the board’s input, its recommendations have failed to be implemented in what he said has become “a challenging and frustrating process.”

Other members echoed these concerns. Vice chair Mary Larson-Marlowe said the board should be asked to conduct a site walk once the landscaping plan is produced rather than before.

“We cannot design this for you,” she stressed. “We have indicated what the outcome must be. And the outcome must be that this facility is screened in its entirety from abutters.”

Larson-Marlowe noted that the battery connection boxes should not be visible. Member Jane Moran added that “they are really ugly from the street.” Balogh replied that screening them would require an adjustment of the street to make room for the trees.

The hearing was continued until the next meeting on Feb. 27 to give the applicant time to develop a detailed plan with renderings of three areas of concern.

The Trails hearing continued after sidewalk talk

The other ongoing project that appeared to frustrate the board was the open space mixed use development plan for The Trails development. This hearing also was continued until the next meeting.

Peter Bemis, the project’s engineering consultant, appeared before the board regarding the 55-and-over housing development located off Legacy Farms North Road. He previously had been told repeatedly by both the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission that he needed to provide more information to address their concerns.

Bemis explained to the board that he provided an updated plan and response package to BETA Group, the town’s engineering consultant, on Feb. 2. BETA previously had requested that several items be addressed on stormwater management.

“I will assure you that each item was addressed on the plan set with either some modification to address a BETA comment or some other refinement to address a board comment,” he said. He noted that the planting replication plan along Wilson Street appeared to be the board’s major concern. In response, there is now “a native planting scheme.”

Bemis said he wanted to discuss the sidewalks. He noted that during a homeowners association meeting, some residents said there was no need for them. Two residents brought up that the curb would hinder snowplowing and not be as aesthetically pleasing as grass.

“From my perspective as a designer, I don’t want to eliminate them,” he said. “I think sidewalks are there for making travel ways friendly for pedestrians.”

Bemis proposed a “modified Cape Cod sidewalk” because he didn’t like the grass strip. His alternative was an upright asphalt curb along the edge of a raised 5-foot sidewalk. There would be a small grass plot abutting the houses. The curb would prevent vehicles from going onto the sidewalk, he explained.

Members agreed that a sidewalk was preferable to grass, but they disagreed about the necessity of the grass strip.

Gelcich noted that the grass strip was factored into the stormwater calculations. BETA would need to review the plan.

“We’ve been kicking the can on this project for a while now,” Trendel said. “I’d really, really like to see you work with BETA and resolve the open questions that they have before you come back to us. I’m starting to lose some patience here.”

The Planning Board took issue with Grasshopper Energy’s screening plan around its solar array off Wilson Street.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Select Board decides against joining RECC

guaranteed positions in the regional center.

“I am candidly not able to vote yes at this time, but I do recommend that we study this openly to set the specific criteria we will use to consider this decision if and/or when we do decide to join a regionalized call center,” Kramer said. “In my opinion, we need performance data for dispatching both for Hopkinton and other regionalized centers. … We need some data to interact with in terms of performance.”

This is a very emotional subject, because it means change. And I’m not sure that change isn’t coming. But I can’t sign this tonight. I just don’t feel secure enough. When I do, I want to be able to say, ‘This is the best thing for Hopkinton.’ And tonight I can’t say that.

Added Kramer: “At the moment I feel we’re trying to hurry up to meet an opportunity that may or may not be the right opportunity.”

Kramer also questioned the decision to locate the RECC headquarters on the site of a formerly contaminated property in Westborough. “The superfund site is a real worry to me,” she said.

Shahidul Mannan said he heard from more than 100 residents, and 99 percent were not in favor. He also pointed to the lack of a “clear benefit” or “strong data.”

“We are looking for some data, we are looking for some argument that we haven’t seen in the last couple of months, in eight or 10 meetings, in many, many discussions,” he said. “So, most likely there is none. But I would encourage [us] to have certainly a full study and the continuation of the gathering of the data and the questions being answered more clearly for a future time.”

Mary Jo LaFeniere said she went back and forth on the matter, but in the end there was not enough information to convince her to support a change.

“I’m very disappointed in what the state has given us for information to go by,” she said, adding that she was “not terribly impressed” with the RECC facility she and other board members visited in Norfolk.

“This is a very emotional subject, because it means change,” LaFreniere said. “And I’m not sure that change isn’t coming. But I can’t sign this tonight. I just don’t feel secure enough. When I do, I want to be able to say, ‘This is the best thing for Hopkinton.’ And tonight I can’t say that.”

Amy Ritterbusch and Irfan Nasrullah supported signing the intermunicipal agreement (IMA), with the provision that there be a vote at this year’s Annual Town Meeting and the assurance that Hopkinton’s Police Station be staffed overnight even with dispatchers no longer present.

Ritterbusch stressed the importance of being involved in the formation of a RECC rather than joining an existing one so that the town has more of a say in the decision-making process and who their partners would be.

“If we do join one we want to be with neighboring towns that we share mutual aid with,” she said.

Ritterbusch also expressed concern that Hopkinton’s dispatchers would be at a disadvantage if the town joins an

existing RECC, as it would already be staffed.

“I think it is a better choice to go now and sign the IMA with the neighboring towns and get the priority hiring for our staff members,” Ritterbusch said. “I fear the future. And I know the future is unknown, but that’s where I’m standing at the moment.”

Kramer countered that Hopkinton’s dispatchers have made it clear they do not want this move, so she was willing to defer to them.

Nasrullah conceded that he had not heard a convincing reason why the town needed to make the move immediately, but he was willing to sign the IMA — which had a Feb. 24 deadline — to buy the town enough time to take an official vote of residents at Annual Town Meeting in May and then make a final decision whether or not to push forward.

At the board’s previous meeting, members continued to press for specific information about potential cost savings and operational advantages. Joseph Crean, representing the Massachusetts 911 Department, joined via Zoom but said the state does not collect that information, and that members would have to ask specific towns for their experiences in the state’s 31 RECCs.

Crean, who previously served as deputy director of a RECC, said towns generally should expect faster response times, and those departments with aging equipment would see an upgrade, but that’s “community-dependent.”

He also addressed concerns about having dispatchers cover multiple towns, saying, “The technology is out there to combat that loss of local knowledge.”

Asked by Ritterbusch if the state will eventually force all towns to join a RECC and what the timeline might be, Crean said he did not foresee that happening. He said the state incentivizes towns to join a RECC, but, “If you don’t want to join, we’ll continue to support you as best we can.”

Crean also said the development grant, funded by wireless surcharges on cell phones, is available every year.

He also credited the town with having one of the “more transparent regional processes that I’ve been able to see.”

“Kudos to all of you guys to really digging in and asking these tough questions and involving the police and the dispatchers,” he said.

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.

— Select Board member Mary Jo LaFreniere

COULD YOU SAY THAT AGAIN?

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The UCTC at its meeting Jan. 15 debated questions it will take to town counsel about the validity of two citizens’ petitions, one of which seeks to disband the UCTC in its current form.

“It appears that some aspects may be legal and others may not be,” chair Jane Moran said of the two citizens’ petitions submitted by Peter LaGoy, the chair of the Trails Coordination and Management Committee. She noted that this is her personal opinion and that she is not an attorney.

Moran added that all petitions go to town counsel for review before they can be placed on the Annual Town Meeting warrant.

One point she brought up was her concern that the approval of these petitions would affect the appropriation of funding by the Community Preservation Committee to this committee as well as from other sources such as MassTrails grants. Moran also asked if other committees could be affected by petitions like this in the future.

“Maybe it would dictate how CPC rules because CPC is an independent body and makes its own decisions,” she said.

Moran expressed that the passage of the petitions could “freeze or change” the UCTC’s charter. One of the petitions called for the disbanding of the UCTC in its current form. If passed, it would change the UCTC into a TCMC subcommittee, with members chosen by the TCMC.

The other article requests that the UCTC not be allowed to spend any more public funds on the section between 147 and 192 Hayden Rowe Street — referred to as Segment 7. There has been vocal opposition by residents who don’t want to see the trail run along busy Hayden Rowe Street, but the UCTC continues to explore that option, claiming there are no other places to locate the trail.

“The one that says don’t put the trail down Hayden Rowe Street is something that I think passes very easily,” LaGoy said previously. “People have seen what’s gone on on Main Street, they’ve heard about the controversy here, it’s really simple.

Member Cynthia Esthimer brought up how the sequencing of warrant articles could affect the UCTC. The UCTC had requested funding for a study for Segment 1, which the CPC approved for placement on the warrant.

“If this committee is disbanded,

there’s no need to talk about not giving this committee money,” she said. “So which happens first? Does Town Meeting discuss whether or not we should get money and then disband us?”

Jamie Wronka, an alternate member, questioned why the committee was discussing questions to pose to town counsel when the articles are being reviewed by counsel as a matter of practice, calling it “a significant waste of funds.” The use of town counsel in this matter would have to be approved by the Town Manager’s Office, explained member Eric Sonnett.

Sonnett called the petition “redundant.”

“If people don’t like money spent, they can just vote it down,” he said.

Said Moran: “I don’t think they are going to spend the money if they don’t see the need.”

Treasurer Scott Knous cautioned members not to “personalize” the citizens’ petitions by referring them to as LaGoy’s petitions.

Said Knous: “I think the most important thing for us as a committee is to take the high road and maintain that we’re focused on bringing alternatives to the Select Board.”

“We all have nosebleeds from taking the high road on all this stuff,” said Esthimer. “Anybody, pass the tissue.”

Member Ken Parker said he was more concerned about the second citizens’ petition than the first.

“The second one is kind of jumping to the conclusion that the work that we’re doing is so bad that we ought to be destroyed and started fresh under different auspices,” he explained. “I do

think that has some legal ramifications that town counsel might want to address having to do with who’s got the authority to do what.”

Later in the meeting, Moran said her hope that all of the committees in town that work on trails “could be a more unified group.”

Committee discusses outreach efforts

Members also continued to discuss how they plan to ramp up outreach to other committees and online stakeholder groups in town. Members chose entities for which they would like to serve as liaisons. A few bullet points will be approved by the committee at a subsequent meeting so that the messaging to each group will be uniform. There will be a tracking sheet for community interactions.

Esthimer noted that older residents tend to respond better to written documents. She mentioned a paper survey as well as an online survey to get their opinions. Knous agreed, stressing the need to “meet people where they are.” Esthimer volunteered to update a trifold committee handout that previously had been used.

For the online component, Wronka said she was meeting with the town’s information technology staff to update the committee’s website and improve access to the committee’s data. The updated town website currently shows a series of links that include categories of data.

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week we feature 2-yearold Remy.

Here is Baypath’s description of Remy: “Remy is a big goofball, just look at that smile! He loves to play and spend time with people, especially when squeaky and plush toys are involved. And don’t get him started on his dog friends! He loves them! Remy enjoys romping around with his dog friends all day long! If there’s no dog friends around, Remy is happy to go on a hike with you or explore the local neighborhoods. Then after all his fun, Remy is ready to snuggle up with his people.

“Remy would enjoy having a canine sibling, but it’s not required. He isn’t cut out for apartment life. He likes to have lots of room to romp around. A big yard, especially fenced, would be ideal. Remy prefers to not live with cats. Dogs are much easier to play with. Due to his bouncy nature and not knowing his size, Remy would like to live with teenagers or older.”

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

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

Hillers Pizza owner charged with indecent assault of minor

The owner of Hillers Pizza was charged late last month with one count of indecent assault of a minor and two counts of witness intimidation following an alleged incident with a teenage female employee in the basement of the restaurant.

Through his attorney, Petros “Peter” Sismanis entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. A pretrial hearing was set for March 22 at 9 a.m. in Framingham District Court.

Contacted by the Independent, Sismanis referred all questions to his attorney, Joseph Eisenstadt, who declined to comment.

At the Jan. 31 hearing, Assistant District Attorney Daniel Bolcun detailed the charges against the 55-year-old Sismanis stemming from the Jan. 12 incident.

“The defendant offered to take the victim downstairs to show her the inventory,” Bolcun stated. “She stated that the defendant sat in a chair, and that while he was sitting, he put his arms around her waist and placed his hand on the center of her back. She stated that he then stood up and began to hug her and kiss her on the mouth while holding his hand on the center of her back. She tried to pull away and the defendant continued kissing her.

“After that finished, he pleaded with her not to say anything because she was too young. Both parties proceeded upstairs and the victim first called her mother to tell her what happened. The mother was at the scene around 9 [p.m.] and spoke to both the victim and defendant. The defendant then attempted to keep both the victim and her mother from leaving the business. The defendant also made statements that he would rather be killed than to call the police.

“The victim’s mother then attempted to get in her vehicle, and the defendant blocked the door to keep it from closing. The victim’s mother stated that this went on for about 15 minutes before she was finally able to close the door and leave the area.”

Prior to the hearing, the judge heard arguments

regarding an anti-harassment order that had been filed against Sismanis by the accuser’s mother, who appeared in court. After confirming a few facts, the judge ordered Sismanis to stay 100 yards away from the victim’s school and residence. The order remains in effect until January 2024.

Citing a similar offense from 1997, Bolcun stated that the commonwealth has “serious concerns for the community” and asked the judge to set bail at $2,500 and to order no unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18. Sismanis’s attorney objected to this request, asking Judge Jennifer Stark if it could be modified to “no unsupervised contact with females under 18.” “My client owns a pizza shop and has 17-year-old males working there,” Eisenstadt said.

“I don’t know anything about your client and his proclivities, so I’m not inclined to make that change,” the judge responded. Addressing Sismanis, she said, “You’re going to have to figure it out.”

The judge released Sismanis with the condi-

tion that he does not contact the alleged victim or go near the girl, her residence or her school, and he has no unsupervised contact with individuals under the age of 18. She issued a stern warning to Sismanis that if he violated any of these terms he could — and most likely would, given the nature of the charges — be held in jail without the possibility of bail.

Sismanis opened Hillers Pizza in 2017 in the strip mall at 77 West Main Street after previously working at Dino’s Pizza, which inhabited the same location. Sismanis is well known for donating to local charitable organizations and for his support of Hopkinton High School athletics, especially the football team.

This is not the first legal issue Sismanis has faced. In September 1997, he was charged with two counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over stemming from an incident in Hopkinton. He pled not guilty to all charges and was released on $6,000 bail. As a condition of his release, Sismanis was ordered to surrender his passport (at the time he was not a U.S. citizen), have no contact with the victim and not travel outside of Massachusetts.

On Sept. 14, 1998, Sismanis changed his plea to guilty on two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over. He was ordered to pay $100 and was placed on probation for four years, the first six months with electronic ankle bracelet. He was allowed to go only to work, church and medical appointments. Sismanis was ordered to pay up to $1,000 for the victim’s counseling, and he was to be evaluated for a sexual offenders program.

On Sept. 23, 2002, Sismanis’s probation was ordered terminated, and in May 2005 Judge Peter Lauriat ordered the records destroyed.

In 2019, Sismanis petitioned the court to vacate his plea and guilty finding, requesting post-conviction relief. In his affidavit, Sismanis claimed that the Superior Court failed to advise him of immigration warnings as the law requires. The plea was denied by Judge Kenneth Fishman, who stated that the court had met its burden of proof that the defendant had been advised of his rights.

Editor’s note: Material from multiple sources was used to put together this report, which was compiled by managing editor Jerry Spar.

Veterans breakfast

The first prolonged below-zero winter chill may have affected many in the civilian world, but it had little influence on about three dozen intrepid veterans who presented themselves at the Senior Center on the first Friday of the month to share in another appetizing breakfast highlighted by SOS, hash and other “sides.” An anonymous donor treated the veterans.

Camaraderie among the veterans supported a group discussion of military events that occurred on Feb. 3 — the same date of the recent breakfast. Several of the historical subjects are recorded in the photo. The veterans in the photo, representative of the entire group in attendance, are (from left) Neal Swenor (Air Force) showing a B-17 bombing Berlin, Jeff Macmillan (Navy), Steve Bartlett (Marines) with an image of a modern-day stealth fighter F-35A Lightning II, Neil Svendsen (Army) with a portrait-like rendering of the Four Chaplains who gave their lives in 1943, a guest (Air Force) showing the pre-battle bombing of Iwo Jima, and Bob Letendre (Army) with a photo of an Air Force “Doomsday Plane” that searched the sky 24/7 over a period of 30 years.

The next Veterans Breakfast is scheduled for March 3.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Peter Sismanis was charged for an alleged incident that happened at Hillers Pizza last month.

Health Department continues vaccine clinics, monitors norovirus

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Board of Health at a brief meeting Feb. 13 discussed the Health Department’s recent initiatives.

Public Health Nurse Simone Carter described the Health Department as “quietly busy.” She said that the number of reported respiratory virus cases, including COVID-19, is going down. The Health Department is continuing to hold bivalent vaccine booster clinics, and it will be “part of our mission,” Carter said, to offer them even after their distribution becomes privatized as the pandemic ceases and the endemic phase of COVID-19 is expected to begin next month.

She added that the new immunization schedule includes the COVID-19 series. There also are updated MMR and pneumococcal vaccines available.

Norovirus, also known as stomach flu, is spreading in town and across the country. Carter surmised that it is because people are more socially active than they had been during the pandemic.

While there is no cure, the best prevention method is good hand hygiene, she explained. It usually runs its course in about three days, and its symptoms are helped by fluid intake.

“That’s a disease that’s supposed to be reported all the time but not necessarily is,” Carter said. “Just because our numbers aren’t necessarily high in our database doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening.”

According to a recent report on WCVB-TV, people who are infected with norovirus can shed billions of virus particles, which is why it is highly contagious. Twelve states report norovirus counts,

including Massachusetts.

Vaccines, test kits on order

The Health Department as of the end of January had a balance of $94,016.25. Health Director Shaun McAuliffe explained that $30,000 to $40,000 would be used for flu, shingles and a small amount of pediatric vaccine purchases that will be reimbursable.

Board of Health chair Lisa Whittemore asked about the need for pediatric vaccines in Hopkinton.

“It exists,” McAuliffe explained. There have been between 10 and 15 children who are recent immigrants or exchange students who needed vaccinations to “get them up to speed” so that they would be able to attend the town’s public schools.

He added that if there is a surplus, the vaccines can be distributed to local health departments and pediatricians’ offices.

Whittemore said she was particularly happy that the department is offering the shingles vaccine.

In addition, the department successfully distributed more than 130 boxes of COVID-19 test kits, McAuliffe said. There are plans to give them to sports teams for the spring season, as well as to local businesses. He noted that people working in retail have a hard time affording them.

“There were kids that were weeping when I brought a case by,” he said, adding that Hopkinton is one of the top distributors in the state. “It really just warmed my heart. We’re doing some good stuff.”

Restaurants closed for violations

McAuliffe noted that two restaurants had to be closed temporarily within the last month because of health code violations, but they were able to reopen the same day once the issues were addressed. There has been an increase in regulatory actions taken by the department in the past few months, he explained.

The state’s Department of Public Health will be taking over “a childhood lead issue” that the Health Department had been overseeing, McAuliffe noted. He and Health Services Agent Kelechi Obika have been asked by MDPH to become “lead determinators” and will participate in a training once it becomes available from the state, he said.

Hopkinton also will be helping on the federal level, assisting the Food and Drug Administration by conducting local inspections of delis for listeria prevention and butcher shops for grind log compliance.

Water supply inspections continue

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection was in town recently to start its annual water supply inspections, McAuliffe said. Two notices of non-compliance were issued to public water supply operators. Both operators are scheduling repairs and are chlorinating their respective water supplies, according to McAuliffe. Re-inspection will occur at the end of the month.

McAuliffe announced that the department plans to apply for Community Septic Management Loan funding to replenish some of the monies it has lent out. Since its inception, the program has lent over $1.3 million to assist residents with their septic repairs. Concerns over perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, have risen during the past year.

“Technically, if residents test their private wells for PFAS, it’s suggested or recommended that they report their results to the Health Department,” McAuliffe explained.

Asbestos removal issue arises

The Health Department and the Land Use Department issued a stop work order to the asbestos abatement contractor working on the 83 East Main Street project, McAuliffe said. The contractor had not applied for the required permitting when removing the asbestos shingles, so the abatement work was not conducted in compliance with the state’s DEP regulations.

“The process didn’t follow all regulatory requirements,” McAuliffe added, prompting the MDEP’s Asbestos Division and the Department of Labor Standards to provide oversight. “They are issuing some enforcement actions against the contractor.”

Added McAuliffe: “At the end of the day, the owner will be in a good spot, and his redevelopment of that lot shouldn’t be jeopardized by the actions of the vendors that he had working for him.”

‘Suitcase’ memoir seeks to provide inspiration

By Sidhi Dhanda Contributing Writer

Hopkinton resident Dwarka (D.N.)

Chadha has found success in business, advocacy and family. Through his memoir, “Suitcase: A True and Inspiring Immigrant American Dream Story,” Chadha hopes to inspire others to do the same.

After immigrating to the United States in 1970 with just one suitcase (hence the book’s title), Chadha started working in pharmaceutical sales, eventually leading a team of 100 people that created more than $100 million in revenue, he said. Chadha also received recognition from former Mas sachusetts governors Michael Dukakis and Deval Patrick, and he helped promote the Af fordable Care Act for President Barack Obama. In addition, he and his wife raised two daughters who both have MBAs from Cornell University.

Chadha’s book focuses on his story from his time in India to his political advocacy in the United States. He emphasizes community involvement and higher education.

“I have said it’s not only meant to be just a book about how to better oneself and family, but also how to participate,” Chadha said. “When we come here as immigrants, we have a duty to participate, to vote and to get involved with our community.”

For the 81-year-old Chadha, who has

Hopkinton resident Dwarka (D.N.) Chadha’s recently published memoir recounts his time in India to his work and political advocacy in the United States.

lived in Hopkinton since 2012, that meant serving as president of the Indian Association of Greater Boston and first vice president of the Hopkinton Lions Club.

In his book, Chadha credits his success and his family’s to higher education.

“I told my daughters that you have to be well-educated in order to compete with the American public here,” Chadha said. “If you want to achieve the American dream, you want to have a higher education.”

The book tells the story of Chadha’s life — which includes his grandmother hiring the military to rescue a young Chadha Memoir | page 13

Cabinet Gallery: Family-owned, family-operated for 39 years

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

Known affectionately around town as the “cabinet guy,” David Landry of Cabinet Gallery loves telling people he has been in the home industry business since he could walk and talk, and the truth is … he has been.

In 1984, Roger Landry opened the Cabinet Gallery showroom in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and brought his son to work regularly, since the boy was 3 years old. Over the years, the younger Landry learned the inner workings of the business and went on to serve in multiple roles — from errand boy to shop worker to designer to manager — and has helped grow the company to its current depth.

“Offering professional design, cabinetry selection, installation and service to both commercial and residential clients separates Cabinet Gallery from others in the home industry niche in this state,” said David Landry, now the chief operating officer. “We have a phenomenal team of experts behind us who love what they do, and it shows.”

The company is built on the core values of honesty, integrity, respect and trust, as noted in its “declaration of values” online. In 2016, Landry opened the Hopkinton showroom at 1 Lumber Street. He prides himself on having put together a dedicated, caring team that thrives on building relationships, cultivating trust and treating each customer with the utmost respect.

In a five-star review online, Sara Austin of Hopkinton remarked, “This is my second kitchen I have (and am currently doing) with Cabinet Gallery! They are the best of the best! Jodi and Kayla are super professional and easy to work with. They really pay attention to every detail, which is super important in kitchen planning.”

The Landry family appreciates its customers and realizes they are making a high-impact purchase when choosing to design a kitchen or bath. They can accommodate anyone looking for a mudroom, laundry room, office space or any other cabinetry or casework project for residential or commercial applications.

“I have complete confidence that my team is going to do a great job, and the result will be entirely satisfactory,” Landry noted.

The company, in fact, offers a unique, five-year guarantee on all installation work, and post-install

follow-up calls are made to ensure each client is thoroughly happy with the work and service provided.

Landry advises potential customers to look around, ask questions and get a feel for the quality of materials and options — even to the point of encouraging people to visit other vendors and compare offerings.

“It’s important for people to understand what they’re getting into,” Landry said. “With our excellent reputation, I’m confident people will realize we’re the best. Over the years, we’ve found that people return to work with us.”

Between the two showrooms and a dedicated team of 22 employees, Cabinet Gallery also features a custom commercial manufacturing division and in-house installation crews, which have made a huge difference, allowing for flexibility, versatility and the ability to handle any job.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Jodi Osborn, lead designer, or Kayla Briggs, design assistant, visit cabinetgalleryltd.com or call David Landry at 401-265-3099 with any questions.

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

Blackstone advisors recognized

Memoir | from page 12

and his family from a village in West Pakistan during the partition in 1947 — while sharing advice on how others can achieve similar success and best serve their communities. He shares 10 steps that helped him.

“These 10 steps have been revealed in the book, explaining how I succeeded in all these things and overcame challenging situations,” Chadha said.

He also shares relatable and often funny stories about his immigrant experiences, like learning how to drive a car for the first time.

“I was asked, ‘D.N. do you drive,’ so I said, ‘Yeah,’ but I only knew how to drive a scooter. The $600 that I brought from India I basically spent on my driving,” Chadha said.

Chadha always has had an interest in literature. He received his Master of Arts in English Literature from Delhi University. His first book, “Touchdown: No. 1 Salesperson,” was published in 2010.

His latest book took Chadha more than 10 years to write. He got the idea to share his immigration story after finishing up his first book.

“You need a lot of time and effort and concentration, and it doesn’t work thinking that you can finish it in two or four weeks,” Chadha said.

“Suitcase: A True and Inspiring Immigrant American Dream Story” can be purchased on Amazon (https://a.co/d/iHcDehh) in paperback for $17.99 and hardcover for $27.

Blackstone

Valley Wealth Management’s two advisors, James Valis and Gregg Manis, recently were recognized with inclusion in LPL Financial’s Director Club and Freedom Club, respectively.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

With more than 19,000 LPL-affiliated advisors nationwide, LPL awards select advisors with these distinctions based on an advisor’s business success.

“I congratulate James and Gregg on behalf of LPL,” said Angela Xavier, LPL executive vice president, Independent Advisor Services. “We applaud their dedication to making meaningful impacts in the lives of their clients every day. We’re honored to support advisors like them and wish them continued success.”

Valis and Manis are managing partners at Blackstone Valley Wealth Management and have been providing financial services to clients in the New England area for more than 40 years collectively. Blackstone Valley Wealth Management is located in Hopkinton and uses a distinctive wealth management process to deliver personalized plans that allow each client to pursue their goals. The company addresses investment consulting, advanced planning issues and relationship management.

The Cabinet Gallery family includes (from left) COO David Landry, lead designer Jodi Osborn and design assistant Kayla Briggs.

‘Suitcase’ memoir seeks to provide inspiration

Less Wait Time, More Face Time.

ScHoolS

ESBC chooses Hayden Rowe ‘Village’ design for Elmwood replacement

The McBride Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty would like to congratulate Jakai Bellofatto on his award for Student of the Month.

Jakai has been nominated for this award, and the theme of the comments was Jakai’s respect and kindness toward everyone — peers, teachers and the community.

Jakai says he made the best decision of his life when he decided to come to Hopkinton High School. He is grateful for the inclusion and caring nature of the community.

For months, Jakai has been working through an injury, he hopes to participate in spring track and return to his varsity Hopkinton High School football team in the fall.

In the future, Jakai would love to be able to play professional sports as an Olympian or a star NFL athlete. After becoming an attorney, he would also like to be elected president of the United States, and he is up for the challenge. Whatever the future holds for Jakai, he will be someone who takes on leadership roles to make a difference in his community and country.

Congratulations, Jakai!

Katie McBride • Debbie Brosseau

508-277-9600

katie@mcbrideteam.com

bedrooms are behind it.

Members of the committee also liked the east site configuration. Member Mike Shepard noted the location would be farther away from residences, would have a longer road, letting more school buses and parents dropping off students queue up onsite rather than spilling out onto Hayden Rowe Street, and would free up space between Marathon School and this proposed school for future expansion.

ESBC member Tiffany Ostrander said the possibility of walkways leading to the school from housing was appealing.

In answer to a question, Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said she would prefer a three-wing setup versus a two-wing model because it would create a smaller school within the school. She described the arrangement as “very lovely. … Kids get used to the same people and same part, and assistant principals and other administrators get to know family members over a longer period of time.”

The grades could be broken up either by wing or by floor. Recently, the School Committee voted to have the proposed new Elmwood School house Grades 2-3-4.

Director of Buildings and Grounds Tim Persson said operationally it makes a lot of sense to have the Elmwood School replacement in the same area as the other campuses for the purposes of snow removal, landscaping, maintenance and more.

Elmwood Principal Anne Carver noted the proximity of the site will provide professional development and collaboration opportunities for the staff.

Earlier in the meeting, Carver said that although Elmwood’s current location is a “beloved spot,” the Hayden Rowe Street site is more manageable.

“Just trying to build a new building while you maintain excellence … I think that feels prohibitive,” she said of Elm Street’s options.

She said it would place a lot of stress on staff who are “just starting to recover from the stress of the pandemic. It’s not a good idea.”

VERTEX Project Director Jeff D’Amico noted that the east choice cost about $1.5 million more than the west because it is deeper on-site with longer feeder roads and requires longer utility runs and more asphalt paving, sidewalks, tree clearings and maintenance, among other things.

The total estimated cost would be $174 million but after deductions would be $162 million. D’Amico said he’s working with a 6 percent construction contingency and a 3 percent project contingency. In addition, there will be an impact depending on if geothermal energy versus a hybrid option is chosen in the future.

ESBC chair Jon Graziano brought up the fact that there is a town-owned parcel of land of about 22 acres on the overall 54 acres of property. He questioned whether this situation would limit the flexibility the town has to use that land.

Batlle-Rafferty noted there are 100-plus students in preschool, and a small building nestled with the proximity to Marathon and Elmwood could be fitting in the future as those numbers grow.

Persson mentioned that a possible use for the space was sports fields run by the Parks & Recreation Department, with controls put on use during the day. Other options mentioned were a tennis court or weekend-use parks.

“I don’t know what other groups want to get in that melee,” he said.

Select Board member Shahidul Mannan joked, “It’s not a good site for a fire station.”

The next steps were presentations on the selection to the School Committee on Feb. 17 and the Select Board on Feb. 28. After that, the ESBC approves the submission of the preferred schematic report and submits it to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the following day.

Local collegians shine

Fairfield University recently announced its dean’s list recipients, and the list included Hopkinton residents Nathalie Bates, Andrew D’Alleva, Alexandra Graeber, Cecily McNamara and Alexandria Power

Katelyn Distasio and Natalie Calkins were named to the president’s list at Merrimack College. … At Quinnipiac University, Isabella Callery , Aidan Morin and Paige Sanderson were named to the dean’s list. …

COLLEGE HONORS

Rowan Gould was named to the dean’s list at Cornell University, where he is studying in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. …

At the University of Wisconsin, Cathryn Leighton, Spencer Smith and Maya Zent were named to the dean’s list. …

Madison Murphy and Madeline Strickland were named to the dean’s list at Regis College. … Allison Ronan was named to the dean’s list at Eastern Connecticut State University, where she majors in elementary education and liberal studies. … At Endicott College, Owen Bradley (majoring in business management), Lucy Hassler, (liberal

Collegians | page 15

Elementary School Building Committee members settled on this design for the Elmwood School replacement.

Elmwood | from page 1

HHS students win state STEM competition

By Susan Gonsalves

Contributing Writer

Kaizar Rangwala and Jacob Dold, two Hopkinton High School sophomores, were named state champions in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition and have advanced to the national-level competition.

The $2 million national competition for public school students in Grades 6-12 asks students to consider how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can be used to create change in their communities.

Rangwala and Dold programmed an artificial intelligence (AI) construct that medical professionals can use to scan MRIs and detect brain tumors more quickly.

By having state champions, HHS earned $12,000 worth of Samsung products and classroom resources that will help the students as they complete their activity plan for the next part of the competition.

Dold explained that he and Rangwala both are interested in medicine, but their submission started with thinking about how they could help people with technology and solve a problem.

Finding the brain an interesting part of the body, the students sought to find a way technology can help radiologists and doctors locate tumors more quickly and efficiently and thereby get patients the treatment they need as soon as possible.

Rangwala explained that their work is not affiliated with a particular class or the school, but an independent project they took on based on their interests and a desire to help the community.

The process began in August with brainstorming and in subsequent months involved research and meeting and conducting interviews with health care pro-

Local collegians shine

Collegians | from page 14

studies/education), Scott Pagliuca (finance) and Selia Potas (studio art) were named to the dean’s list. …

Kelsey Breslin was named to the dean’s list at the University of Tampa. …

At Dean College, Kinnon MacEachern was named to the president’s list, and Michelle Gates, James Peishoff and Jeremyah Vasquez were named to the dean’s list. …

Katherine Morse , a sophomore criminal justice major, was named to the dean’s list at Saint Anselm College. …

Abigail Auger was named to the dean’s list at St. Joseph’s College of Maine, where she is a nursing major. …

Owen Keefe was named to the dean’s list at Ithaca College. …

Philip Hubbe graduated from Clarkson University in December, receiving a B.S. with distinction in electrical engineering.

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

fessionals and individuals in the artificial intelligence realm.

Rangwala said the president of the National Brain Tumor Society was helpful in providing feedback about their project.

“He gave us ideas on our solutions, pointing out flaws and leading us to see the issue in different ways,” Rangwala said.

The duo also received assistance from professionals at UCLA about the radiology process and how tumors are processed.

So far, the students have submitted a 15-page written report. In-person presentations will take place at the national competition in Dallas.

AI algorithms can find small, hard-todetect patterns of malignancies that may be missed by radiologists especially in the early stages of disease.

The typical MRI process can lead to patients having to repeat scans, undergo multiple biopsies and endure long waiting times. For low-income areas with shortages of radiologists or in large hospitals dealing with overwhelming caseloads, AI can simplify the work and provide benefits to both patients and medical professionals, according to the students.

“We have a long way to go and a lot more to do to have a system that is easy and reliable for doctors to use,” Rangwala said, “and [shows] how AI can be useful in healthcare settings.”

“It’s kind of like a base model for what can be in the future,” Dold said.

Both Rangwala and Dold also are involved with robotics and Boy Scouts. Dold also participates on the debate team and plays tennis, while Rangwala cites exercise as another hobby.

The HHS duo bested 300 state finalists and now will have the opportunity to work with a Samsung mentor.

National finalists receive $50,000 in products and resources along with a chance to win an additional $10,000 in technology via the Community Choice Award, determined by social media votes.

There also is a Samsung Employee Choice Award winner with that same prize amount.

An additional $50,000 prize package is given for “sustainability innovation,” recognizing an entrant who shows consideration for environmental impacts.

Ultimately, the national winner receives a $100,000 prize package.

For a STEM competition, Jacob Dold (left) and Kaizar Rangwala programmed an artificial intelligence construct that medical professionals can use to scan MRIs and detect brain tumors more quickly.

New Construction in Hopkinton!

Anatomage table enhances anatomy, physiology studies at HHS

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Students at Hopkinton High School now can learn anatomy and physiology using authentic and interactive 3D images of the human body thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Hopkinton Education Foundation. The grant funded an Anatomage table, a learning tool mainly used in medical schools and clinical settings.

HHS science teacher Beth Spinks submitted the grant proposal last spring, and the Anatomage table, which contains thousands of high resolution 3D images of two real cadavers, was delivered in October.

“Both students and staff have been blown away by the table’s capabilities,” Spinks said. “I’m in shock we’re able to have such an amazing tool. We still have a lot to learn.”

The Anatomage table is an alternative to methods like diagrams in a book, dissections, 2D paper models or 3D models made of wood or plastic showing big pieces of anatomy, according to Marjorie Billeter, who teaches anatomy and physiology at HHS.

Billeter uses the technology as part of her daily lessons and estimated about 122 kids in her classes have worked with the interactive tool. As the students learn about the human body, she can move parts around, highlight bones and other areas, cut and flip items and zero in using the imagery of one male and one female cadaver.

Any squeamishness students may have initially felt was quickly put to one side, Billeter said. “It’s a huge privilege and great that we have this. … The students are just interested in learning from it.”

Junior Camille Perlov is one of those students. She describes herself as “a visual learner,” and thinks being able to see all the dimensions firsthand has increased her understanding and made learning easier. “It takes learning to the next level,” she said. “It’s a great resource to have.”

Junior Prisha Shrivastava feels the Anatomage table has added “a completely new dimension,” to anatomy and physiology class. “It allows us to see a pretty real-looking version of concepts we would otherwise learn from a paper drawing or

from looking at a tiny sample through a microscope,” Shrivastava explained.

Junior Srilakshmi Venkatesan first began using the Anatomage table after interacting with it at the international Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) conference. “It struck me with awe when we first were allowed to use it,” Venkatesan said, adding the tool helps students discover how the various systems in the body work together to perform specific functions.

“Often, we learn about different systems and anatomical features of the body separately, which often result in a confusion for how they work together,” Venkatesan said. “The Anatomage table has allowed us to overcome that [confusion] with all of its interesting features.”

Senior Ishi Khurana agreed, noting that when you can see an actual cadaver, cells and tissues as well as pathologies are viewed “in perspective.”

While Billeter has incorporated the technology into her daily lessons, she also believes it is an “inspirational tool” for students who would like to join the medical/health care field in the future.

Venkatesan said students were able to “perform surgery” on the human cadaver to find its appendix. She also used the tool to help prepare for a skeletal system test to properly identify the different bones within the skull.

“By exposing us to medical careers at an early age, the Anatomage table provides us insight on what potential medical careers could consist of and what the preparation might look like,” Venkatesan said. “It has made our anatomy class and HOSA and Neuroscience Club so much fun!”

Even students who are not inclined to pursue medical careers can find the Anatomage table useful. “The games and flashcard features help us memorize the terminology and motivate us to learn,” Shrivastava pointed out.

According to Spinks, the table also contains hundreds of animal images and can be a great resource for students interested in the veterinary field.

Both educators hope to see the table’s use expanded into biology, forensics, psychology and wellness classes in the future. Added Venkatesan, “I feel so lucky to be able to have an Anatomage table at our own school.”

Hopkinton High School science teachers (from left) Marjorie Billeter and Beth Spinks show off the school’s new Anatomage table along with Chris Fredericks from the Hopkinton Education Foundation, which funded the purchase. The table contains thousands of high-resolution 3D images of real cadavers.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Local students win state writing, art awards

Hopkinton High School and Hopkinton Middle School students took home a number of awards in the Scholastic Arts Awards and Scholastic Writing Awards competitions.

SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK

On the writing side, HHS students won four gold keys, 11 silver keys and 11 honorable mentions.

Sophomore Jessica Fan received a gold key for poetry and is an American Voices nominee. She also earned a silver key for a personal essay and an honorable mention for a short story.

Junior Amanda Xie and sophomore Pranamya Keshkamat each won a gold key and silver key, both for critical essays, while senior Maggie Joyce won a gold key for poetry.

Other HHS winners included sophomore Anoushka Nair (two silver keys for poetry and an honorable mention for personal essay), freshman May Chen (a silver key and two honorable mentions for poetry), junior Sidhi Dhanda (silver key for journalism), sophomore Cade Sanborn (silver key for science fiction), freshman Chloe Yeo (silver key for personal essay), sophomore Alexander Stephan (silver key for critical essay), sophomore Prapti Kuvadia (honorable mention for personal essay), sophomore Piyusha Majgaonkar (two honorable mentions for poetry), freshman Aneesha Pathangay (honorable mention for flash fiction), junior Prisha Shrivastava (honorable mention for novel writing), freshman Ishita Urs (honorable mention for poetry) and senior Anjali Batra (honorable mention for poetry).

On the arts side, HHS and HMS students won 23 awards, including two gold keys and nine silver keys.

Winning pieces were selected based on three criteria: originality, technical skill and the emergence of personal voice or vision.

Sophomore Kaylee Steir won a gold key for digital art, while seventh-grader Annabelle Liu took home a gold key for drawing/illustration.

Other local winners included sophomore Sean Baker (two silver keys for photography and an honorable mention for digital art), freshman Jianing Huang (two silver keys for drawing/illustration), eighth-grader Emerald Xiao (two silver keys for painting), senior Alexa Feldman (silver key for painting), junior Lunar Ottinger (silver key for photography), seventh-grader Nikita Saini (silver key for design), sophomore Annaleigh Crantz (honorable mention for ceramics/glass), sophomore Juliet Findlen (honorable mention for sculpture), senior G Lambert (honorable mention for mixed media), senior Alia Ohira (honorable mention for ceramics/glass), senior Charlotte Parrow (honorable mention for digital art), sophomore Rabiya Quadri (honorable mention for photography), sophomore Michaela Reilly (honorable mention for photography), senior Michaela Scannevin (honorable mention for painting), sophomore Izael Thomas (honorable mention for drawing/illustration), eighth-grader Caroline Kelly (honorable mention for design) and seventh-grader Katherine Kelly (honorable mention for design).

Gold key award-winning artwork and gold and silver writing pieces will be exhibited at Breed Memorial Hall on the campus of Tufts University from March 18-26, with an awards ceremony March 18. Gold key work also is being reviewed at the national level by panels of creative professionals. National medalists selected by these panelists will be announced March 22.

Request to travel raises equity concerns

The School Committee on Feb. 2 postponed voting on an initial request for up to 14 high school students to participate in a Global Leadership Summit from July 3-15, 2024. The study tour program in Iceland, Denmark and Germany centers around the theme “The Impact of Water on Society.”

Concerns were raised by School Committee member Lya Batlle-Rafferty about the approximate cost of $7,000 per student. She said it is prohibitive for students whose families cannot afford to send them, creating inequity.

“It feels uncomfortable that one tier of students can go and others can’t,” she said.

Latchkey kids with working parents don’t have the same time to raise funds for this type of opportunity, she added.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh explained that unlike something like a class trip to Nature’s Classroom, there is no financial aid fund to assist. She pointed out it is held during a summer month, and other trips of this nature to South America, China and Normandy were approved in the past.

School Committee member Amanda Fargiano said she appreciated the educational component of the trip and wondered if one of the 14 available slots could be filled by a scholarship from a community organization.

School Committee member Holly Morand said there would always be instances where inequity happens, such as with medically fragile students.

The vote was postponed as Batlle-Rafferty expressed the wish for more feedback and discussion on a plan to address inequities.

The committee did approve a number of requests involving student travel including the Nature’s Classroom Grade 6 trips to Freedom, New Hampshire, on Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 15-17.

Members also gave the go-ahead for high school members of the Business Professionals of America to compete at the state level against 400 other students in Norwood on March 4-5. They qualified via a regional competition.

Project 351 ambassador shares

The School Committee recently heard from Project 351 ambassador Sophia Zanella and Hopkinton Middle School assistant principal Ann Benbenek about the eighth-grader’s experience in Boston last month.

Project 351 is a non-profit organization promoting a youth-led movement for change.

Benbenek explained that ambassadors are chosen in every city and town in the state. She said Zanella possesses the needed qualities of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude.

In addition to being an Ignite leader, Zanella is involved with Best Buddies and is a peer mentor to a younger student who moved into the district.

At the event, Zanella said she had the opportunity to hear “powerful” speeches, work with a group making blankets for people who are homeless, sing songs and hear Governor Maura Healey speak on being kind and bullying prevention.

“It was interesting to be in the same room with her,” Zanella noted.

HOP youth members attend forum

Three youth members of Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) attended the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Youth Leadership Forum in National Harbor, Maryland, earlier this month.

Hopkinton High School senior Maura Souza and sophomores Neha Ninan and Anna Noroian attended the four-day summit, which offered interactive training sessions specifically for young coalition leaders who are looking to be more engaged in their coalitions and communities. Experts from the field and other youth leaders trained youths from across the nation on personal and professional prevention development skills.

The HHS students also had the opportunity to meet and speak with U.S. Sen. Edward Markey and U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern. The students talked with the Massachusetts politicians about current trends and concerns surrounding mental health and substance use in the community.

HHS musicians at all-state festival

Cellist Abigail Baskin and tuba player Aditya Machiraju will represent Hopkinton High School at the 69th annual Massachusetts Music Educators Association All-State Festival on March 3-4 at the Westford Regency and Symphony Hall in Boston.

On Jan. 14, Baskin, Machiraju and Aman Kumar participated in the Central District Senior Festival at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Machiraju and Kumar were selected for the festival concert band while Baskin was a member of the orchestra.

Welcoming New Patients

Hillers skiers eye state meet

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

As the ski season winds to a close, several Hopkinton skiers are expected to land a spot in the state meet. The boys and girls teams showed constant improvement throughout the year as they have sharpened their racing skills.

“We have newer kids on the team and they might be good skiers, but they have never raced before,” said coach Shawn Mato. “So a lot of what we do is teaching them how to race and how to go around the gates. We get them to do it in training and then on race nights.”

Both teams have competed well in a challenging league. The girls have challenged for the top spot during most competitions, while the boys have pushed for top-five finishes in the deep division.

Junior Klara Niss has been the top girl on the team most nights and brought considerable racing experience to the Hillers this year. She has excelled in both the slalom and giant slalom, Mato said, and qualified for states during her sophomore season as well.

Annaleigh Crantz, Lila Mato and Libby Herlihy all entered the final race of the regular season with a chance to earn a spot at states, Mato said. Co-captain Ally Barry has been a steady leader for the Hillers all winter, the coach added, and all of the team’s top skiers showed strong improvement compared to last season.

On the boys side, junior Sam Holly has been one of the Hillers’ top racers and a captain. James Flynn, a new member of the team this winter, is a strong skier as a junior and headed for states, Mato said.

Mato praised freshmen Barry O’Brien and Blake Murphy for their performances this winter, while sophomore Will Spinale has greatly improved his racing ability.

“We have a lot of newcomers who are gaining more experience,” Mato said. “The boys division is fairly tough, and most of the boys in the top 20 or so have had previous race experience. We have a team with good skiers, but they don’t have as much race experience. We are developing that as we go.”

The Hillers succeeded this year despite roster turnover. Last year, Hopkinton had 22 athletes on the team, but seven either graduated or were international exchange students. The roster swelled this year to 30 athletes, half of whom are new to the team.

“A lot of time has been spent with new kids, getting them acclimated to competing,” Mato said.

The unseasonably mild temperatures have added another challenge to all of the ski teams this year, but Mato said Ski Ward Ski Area in Shrewsbury has been up to the task when it comes to providing a great place for the teams to compete.

“They have done a fabulous job accommodating us this year,” Mato said. “There are other places that haven’t made it happen for other leagues, but they have done a great job to make it happen for us.”

Korbey 3v3 tournament March 19

The annual Mary Korbey 3v3 basketball tournament is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, from 8 a.m.3 p.m. at Hopkinton High School and Hopkinton Middle School.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

The event supports the Mary Korbey Scholarship Fund. It honors Mary (Marquedant) Korbey, who was a standout athlete at HHS who went on to become a beloved youth sports coach in town. She passed away in 2015 following a long battle with cancer. There are divisions for boys and girls players in Grades 3 through high school, as well as adults/seniors.

For more information, visit the Hopkinton Basketball Association website at hopkintonbasketball.org.

HHS wrestlers finish season strong

The Hopkinton High School wrestling team finished sixth at the Division 2 West sectional meet on Feb. 11 at Northbridge High School.

Seven Hillers advanced to the Division 2 state championship: Caleb Newman (106 pounds), Adam Distasio (113), John Carlson (126), Jack Hoyt (132), Will Liptak (145), Jair Zaidi (195) and Justin Sokol (285).

The Division 2 meet was held Feb. 17-18 at Milton High School.

Hillers swimmers make splash

The HHS swimming and diving teams sent a number of athletes to the state meet, which was held Feb. 18-19 at MIT.

Davis Peishoff led the way, qualifying in the 100 backstroke and 100 butterfly as well as part of the 200 and 400 freestyle relay teams along with Lucas Coffman, Caleb Burke and Owen Picard Burke also qualified in the 100 backstroke.

On the girls side, Eve Weatherhead qualified in diving and Olivia Scalora in the 50 free.

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.

Cultural Conversations: Black History in Bahia, Brazil

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m.

Participants will enjoy a virtual walk in Pelourinho’s Old Town area, talk about and experience the afro-heritage in Bahia, hear music and meet locals. Along the walk, attendees will see the most important afro-Brazilian heritage, traditions, food, religion and local artists. Call the Senior Center for the Zoom link.

Our Time Memory Cafe

Thursday, March 2, 1 p.m.

Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, along with their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, have social experiences with others going through similar changes and form friendships. A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call 508-497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.

Senior Center Book Club

Monday, March 6, 10:30 a.m.

This month’s book is “The Book of Joy” by Desmond Tutu and the Dali Lama. Participants can relax and bring something to drink — all while enjoying book reviews and socializing.

Politics with Principles:

First Female Cabinet Secretary Frances Perkins

Thursday, March 9, 1 p.m.

This captivating, one-woman theatrical performance tells the story of Frances Perkins, the nation’s first female cabinet secretary when she served as secretary of labor from 1933-45. The presentation will walk through the personal and professional trials and triumphs of this heroic, principled politician, including her secrets for building alliances and staring down bullies to enacting legislation to help make the government a champion for working people and retirees. Advance registration is requested.

Repair Cafe with Hopkinton Lions Club

Saturday, April 1, 9 a.m.-noon

Repair Cafe is a community event where people bring their items that are not quite working right but still too good to throw away, and other community members help repair them. There is no charge unless replacement parts are needed. Similar events have been held in more than two dozen towns across Massachusetts in recent years, including Hopkinton last year. Anyone with an item in need of repair or who enjoys fixing things and is interested in being a volunteer should contact the Senior Center. Volunteers are being sought to help with knife sharpening, general furniture repair, lamp rewiring, mending and small appliance repair, to name a few things.

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

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Author Talk: Erica Armstrong Dunbar

Wednesday, Feb. 22 7-8 p.m.

This virtual program features writer, historian and lecturer Erica Armstrong Dunbar, who is the author of “Never Caught: The Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge” (National Book Award finalist) and “She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman,” as well as pieces in The New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer. She also appears in documentaries such as PBS’s “The Abolitionists.”

Author Talk: Grace M. Cho

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 8-9 p.m.

In this virtual program, award-winning author Grace M. Cho will discuss her memoir, “Tastes Like War.” Part food memoir, part sociological investigation, “Tastes Like War” is a hybrid text about a daughter’s search through intimate and global history for the roots of her mother’s schizophrenia.

Author Talk: Sadeqa Johnson

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 4-5 p.m.

In this Zoom program, highly acclaimed author Sadeqa Johnson, the author of “Yellow Wife,” will talk about her new novel, “The House of Eve.”

Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, March 2, 2-7 p.m.

Register on the Red Cross website at rcblood.org/3AmuYsP.

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

Faith Church leadership conference March 3-4

Faith Community Church will host its second Level Up: Leadership & Equipping conference on March 3-4 at the East Main Street facility. The conference will consist of large group sessions inspiring people to lead, engaging breakouts providing practical skills, and networking opportunities to connect with others. The goal of the conference is to provide those in attendance with opportunities to recognize and develop their impact as leaders and as people. Registration, which is $30 until Feb. 19 and $40 thereafter, closes Feb. 24. Spots are limited. For more information, visit faithma.org.

Scouting Troop 4/Troop 11 event

March 5

Webelos and Hopkinton youths ages 10 and older who are interested in Scouting are invited to an afternoon of fun and food with Hopkinton BSA Troop 4 boys and Troop 11 girls on Sunday, March 5, from 2-5 p.m. at the YMCA Outdoor Center (outside Hayes Lodge). Activities will include hatchet throwing, giant Jenga, knots, gaga ball and more. While enjoying the activities, participants will learn more about Hopkinton’s Scouting programs, which offer outdoor adventures, skill building, teamwork and leadership development. For more information, visit troop4hopkinton.com/ troop-calendar/scouting-fun-afternoon or email jointroop4@troop4hopkinton.com.

HopSwap at HHS cafeteria March 18

HopSwap, an annual community-wide tag sale, will be held Saturday, March 18, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Hopkinton High School cafeteria. Donations — children’s clothing up to size 14, maternity clothing, baby gear, shoes, costumes, toys, games,

sports equipment, bikes, books, DVDs, CDs and other gently used children’s items — can be dropped off on Friday, March 17, from 3-8 p.m. at the cafeteria. Items must be clean, in good condition, with all parts securely attached. Proceeds benefit HopMoms and HPTO selected charities. For more information, visit the HopSwap Facebook page.

‘Cycle of Memory’ film screening March 18

The Hopkinton Public Library and Hopkinton’s Age-Friendly and DementiaFriendly Community initiative present a special intergenerational screening of “Cycle of Memory” on Saturday, March 18, from 2-4:15 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. “Cycle of Memory” is a new award-winning documentary about two brothers’ bicycle adventure to find the memories their grandfather lost to Alzheimer’s. The film will be followed by a live Q&A session with filmmaker Alex Leff. To watch a trailer for the film, visit cycleofmemory.com/about. For more information and to register, visit hopkintonlibrary.org/calendar.asp or call 508-497-9777.

Baypath Humane Society Fur Ball March 24

Baypath Humane Society’s annual Fur Ball Gala will be held Friday, March 24, from 6-11 p.m. at the Verve Hotel in Natick. This year’s event has a disco theme. The event will include a number of auction items in a wide price range. Tickets are $150 and include food, entertainment and dancing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baypathhumane.org/fur-ball-gala.

BSA Troop 4 Pancake Breakfast April 1

Hopkinton Boy Scouts Troop 4 will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 1, from 7:30-11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church (20 Church Street). The Scouts will serve a variety of pancakes along with sausage, juice, coffee and more. There also will be a silent auction. General admission is $6 via advanced purchase or $8 at the door. Senior citizens pay $4, and veterans eat free. Proceeds will fund high-adventure trips for Troop 4 Scouts, including hiking in national parks as well as camping and outdoor adventure opportunities. For more information, email pancakebreakfast@troop4hopkinton.com.

Veterans Breakfast first Friday of each month

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

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 meeting room in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (61 Wood Street). For more information, visit al-anon.org or call 888-4AL-ANON.

Event Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Toe Jam Puppet Band

February 24 | 4 to 4:45 p.m.

HCA welcomes back fanfavorite The Toe Jam Puppet Band to our stage! Join band co-founders Tom Poitras and Vinny Lovegrove for their 45-minute winter variety show where kids in the audience will dress up in cold-weather clothes (the wrong way), join in a song called “Do the Penguin,” and take an imaginary walk in the woods with a Yeti. Watch out— it might even snow! This show is best suited for kiddos ages 3 to 9.

HCA Comedy Night

February 24 | 8 p.m.

Join us for a great night of comedy with three very funny humans! Opening the evening will be Pat Collins. Pat has appeared at The Comedy Studio, CBS Comedy Scene and The Comedy Connection RI. Featured act will Carolyn Plummer. Carolyn pulls material from the humdrum, day-to-day monotony of the life of everyman; and she does it well. Headlining the evening will Mike Koutrobis. Mike has been a comedian for over 20 years and has performed all across the country. Adult humor.

First Friday Open Mic with feature HeartSoulVoice

March 3 | 8 p.m.

Open Mic is a great way for singers to put themselves in front of a very supportive and fun crowd and to learn by watching other singers. Our host is the talented singer/songwriter Jack Byrne. Socializing and sign-up start at 7:30 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. All ages welcome! Featured artist HeartSoulVoice will perform singer-songwriter originals, and Celtic traditional inspired tunes and songs.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

March 3, 4, 10 & 11 | 8 p.m.

Presented by Enter Stage Left Theater, this play focuses on fifteen-year-old Christopher who has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earthshattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever. Directed by Paul Champlin.

Your Arts Center | Tickets & Details at HopArtsCenter.org

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.

Thomas Spinks

Thomas I. (Tippy) Spinks, 73, of Hopkinton and North Conway, New Hampshire, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Feb. 1 after a five-year battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Born in Framingham and growing up in Saxonville, he was the son of the late Georgia (Spinks) Browne and Jack Patterson. He was the husband of 41 years to the late Patricia M. (Wallace) Spinks, who passed in 2017.

Tip moved to Hopkinton in the sixth grade and lived here the remainder of his life, though he would not call himself a true “townie,” having not been born here. He was a National Honor Society student and golf team captain at Hopkinton High School, graduating in 1967. Earning a partial scholarship to Bentley, he attended for one year until he decided to go into the trucking and construction field, which better suited him. He owned and operated Browne Drilling and Blasting Company from 1970, when he purchased it from his stepfather, until 2020, when his sons took over the business due to his symptoms of ALS. Making many friends in this field, he thoroughly enjoyed working with different characters every day. He served as a call firefighter for the Hopkinton Fire Department for 27 years from 1970 until retiring from active duty in 1997. He enjoyed being with the guys at the station and the camaraderie they had, making many lifelong friends. He also was an avid snowplow operator for the Hopkinton Highway Department, a job he very much enjoyed from the late 1960s until 2018. He was always excited for a big storm in the forecast. Tip often talked about plowing in the Blizzard of ’78 as one thing he would never forget.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed trips to his vacation homes in North Conway and Bartlett, New Hampshire, and made countless friends there while enjoying skiing and golfing. Tip loved summer, especially the Fourth of July, and would always like to take part in the parade floats in the early years and spending it in the mountains later on. His fondest days were golfing with his wife, Patty, and golf partners in the White Mountains and hitting the pub afterward. He also enjoyed photography, especially filming trains. He enjoyed Patriots games and watching sports at Cornell’s after a round of golf. He treasured spending quality time with his family and hosting many gatherings over the years. Thomas was a wonderful father,

never missing a son’s sporting event and never failing to be a wonderful husband to the love of his life, Patty. He instilled a tough, hardworking approach to work in everything he did, making sure it was instilled in his sons.

Thomas is survived by two sons, Jeffrey S. Kenney and girlfriend Elizabeth Hogan of Hopkinton, and Thomas J. Spinks and wife Bethany of Hopkinton. He also leaves behind his siblings, Robert Browne and Stacey Treyble, both of Alabama, and his grandson, Anthony James “AJ” Spinks, whom he adored as his little buddy. He also leaves brother and sister-in-law Eugene and Marie Flannery of Hopkinton, sisterin-law Janet Martin of Rhode Island, and brother-in-law Steve Wallace of Florida. He leaves many nieces and nephews as well as many friends who will miss him greatly. He is predeceased by siblings Andrew Browne and Robin Browne, and stepfather Robert “Bob” Browne.

We would like to send a special thanks to all the nurses, aides and doctors who cared for him on this journey. We are especially grateful for Tip’s live-in caregiver, Mark Lee, whose compassionate and unrelenting care kept him comfortable in his home throughout his illness. Special thanks also to Ken Swenson, Tip’s good friend, who was in to visit every week to give him a couple of laughs. We will all miss this amazing, smart man dearly.

Visitation was held Feb. 5 at Chesmore Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the ALS Association (Massachusetts chapter) at donate. ma.als.org.

Laurie Shannon-Peaslee

With teary eyes and broken hearts, the family of Laurie Ann ShannonPeaslee of Westborough sadly announce that she died unexpectedly on Jan. 11 at the age of 63 at UMass Medical Center as a result of complications during her courageous fight with cancer. She was surrounded in her last minutes by her adoring husband of 23-plus years, William A. Peaslee (former longtime resident of Hopkinton), her loving parents, Robert and Lois (DeSantis) Shannon of Milford, her sister-in-law, Beverly Mulkey of Northborough, and close friends Kim Knox and Rick Souza of Milford.

Born Sept. 8, 1959, Laurie was the only child of Robert and Lois Shannon. She was raised in Milford and was a graduate of Milford High. Laurie went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Westfield State College, then a master’s degree from Framingham State College. She was a gifted teacher who devoted her career to helping individuals with special needs recognize their potential. She began her career at the Evergreen Center of Milford, later working 30 years for the Obituaries | page 22

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Leicester school system, predominantly and before retirement at the high school as a special education inclusion teacher.

Laurie and William met in November of 1893. Together they bought a house and moved to Westborough in April of 1996, and were married amongst family and friends in Bermuda during August of 1999. Laurie loved to travel with William; their adventures took them all over the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean, London and more. Her favorite places were Bermuda, Key West (Florida), Bar Harbor (Maine) and Hawaii. When not traveling, she truly enjoyed the simple things: shopping with her husband, looking for new finds for their home, crafting, flowers, planting, working around and enjoying their yard. She was an avid reader, especially on warm days while lying on her treasured comfy hammock, and was very good at drawing and painting. Laurie also was amazing in the kitchen, and her cooking will be sorely missed.

Besides her parents and husband, Laurie leaves behind many close family members as well, including her Aunt Judy and Uncle Ernest Kapatoes, Joann Costantino, her nieces and a nephew, cousins, friends and valued colleagues, as well their beloved cats, Tiki and Kailani.

A memorial service was held Feb. 12 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton was to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please remind those who matter to you of your love, and do something nice for them.

Frances Fazzuoli

Frances M. (Salvo) Fazzuoli, 92, formerly of Eastview Road in Hopkinton, died peacefully at Notre Dame Long Term Care in Worcester on Feb. 1. She was the loving and devoted wife of Renzo J. Fazzuoli.

Frances was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on April 28, 1930, to Frank Salvo and Mary DelChiaro Salvo. She was blessed to be among seven siblings in her family and was known to be of great help to her mother. Like many in that generation, Frances set aside school in order to work and contribute to the family. She worked at Sealtest Ice Cream in New Haven, where she met the love of her life, Renzo. After patiently waiting for Renzo to return from the Korean War, as evident by dozens of well-preserved letters, they were finally married in 1954. Ten years later Frances and family relocated to Hopkinton, where they resided for 57 years.

Frances took great pride in her homemaking, keeping one of the cleanest houses on the planet and preparing meals every night for the family. Frances was the beloved mother of David Fazzuoli and wife Gail, and John Fazzuoli and wife Despina. She was

the devoted grandmother of Lauren Fazzuoli, and Sofia, Anthony and Nico Fazzuoli; and sister of the late Dennis Salvo, Michael Salvo, Cecile Salvo Coombs, Patricia Salvo Lockery and Lorraine Salvo Stabile. She is survived by brother Gerald Salvo as well as many nieces and nephews. Frances will be forever loved.

Visiting hours were held Feb. 6 in the Iovanne Funeral Home, New Haven, followed by a Mass of Christian burial in St. Michael Church and burial in All Saints Cemetery.

Wendell Wetherby

Wendell “Roy” Wetherby, 84, of Milford and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away at the Blaire House in Milford on Feb. 4. Born in Montgomery, Vermont, he was the son of the late Pearl (Bressette) and Homer Wetherby. He was the husband of 21 years to Sandra (McGilvray) Wetherby of Milford.

Roy proudly served in the Army. Prior to his retirement 30 years ago, he worked as a town accountant for Hopkinton and then Acton. After retirement, he continued to keep busy working in a variety of areas. He enjoyed camping and riding his motorcycle.

Besides his wife, Roy is survived by his son, W. Roy Wetherby (“Junior”) and wife Lani of Milford, and his stepson, Josh McLeod and wife Kim of Hudson. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Evan James Wetherby and Ava and Morgan McLeod. He is predeceased by his first wife of 36 years, Linda A. Wetherby, and his siblings, Orville, Carmine (“Jake”), Donald and Gordon Wetherby.

A funeral service was held Feb. 10 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or givenow.lls.org.

Nancy Handlin

Nancy Jean Handlin, 75, of Ashland and formerly of New Jersey, passed away Feb. 6 after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Helen (Chapman) and James Matthews. She was the wife of 54 years to the late Robert M. Handlin.

Nancy was proud of her nursing

career. She was a giver. Her strength and ability to get through life’s challenges were to be admired. She loved her grandchildren, the Jersey Shore, her new home, friends and adventures in the Boston area. Her fondest memories are spending time with family and dear friends. She had a zest for life and considered herself a comedian.

Nancy is survived by her children, Corinne Hagerman and husband David of Hopkinton, Jennifer Delaney and husband Patrick of Minneapolis, Julie Begley and husband Patrick of Windham, New York, and Amanda Laughlin and husband Eric of Brick, New Jersey. She also leaves behind her brother, James “Buddy” Matthews and wife Betsy of Florida and Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Kyle, Sydney, Rory, Max, Maggie, McCoy, Shane, Graham and Myles; and her cousins, Teddy and Bitsy. She is predeceased by her sister, Joan VanPelt.

Nancy’s wit and sense of humor will be missed by all those who loved her. Funeral services will be held privately with family and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. Nancy will be laid to rest alongside Bob at the Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org.

Carol Bonazzoli

Carol Ann Millar Bonazzoli of Hopkinton passed away peacefully on Feb. 9 following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Carol was born Nov. 30, 1943, in Framingham, where she grew up and also raised her family. Carol’s daughters

fondly remember their mom’s love of gardening, cross-stitch, cooking, entertaining and getting together with friends. They enjoyed many vacations and summers in their backyard pools as a family with their mom and dad. From Cape Cod and the Connecticut shore, to the coast of Maine and the Lakes of New Hampshire, Carol shared fun times with good friends.

After the sudden passing of her first husband, John, in 1988, Carol was introduced to her second husband, Fred. They shared a mutual love of traveling and experienced many wonderful trips together all over the world. When Carol and Fred were not traveling, she loved hosting family holidays and gatherings, especially having her many grandchildren over to swim at their pool in Hopkinton. Carol spent her winters with Fred in Captiva, Florida, where she loved to take walks and collect shells. She was very proud of her hole-in-one at the South Seas golf course!

Carol was predeceased by her first husband, John B. Millar. She is survived by her husband, Alfred F. Bonazzoli.

Carol also leaves behind daughter Kim Winer and husband William, daughter Karen Hutchinson and husband Alan, daughter Kristin Brigham, and daughter Kathleen Reynolds and husband Paul. In addition to her daughters and her stepchildren, Carol leaves behind 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A small private graveside service was planned for family members only. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org).

Evelyn Swezey

Evelyn P. Swezey, 84, of Hopkinton passed away Feb. 12. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she was the daughter of the late Martha (Bolton) and Harold Swezey. A Hopkinton resident since 1978, Evelyn attended Middlebury College in Vermont for a year before spending a glorious year at the Sorbonne in Paris. While in Paris, she attended a party at Salvador Dali’s house, where she enjoyed meeting many famous people.

She worked for the New England Home for Little Wanderers, where her skills in caring for and nurturing troubled children were noted, and she was encouraged to continue her education. Evey completed her bachelor’s degree and earned an advanced placement Master of Social Work from Boston University in 1980. She was very proud of this achievement. She inspired her niece, Linda, to also get a degree in social work. Evey worked for Prime Computer and Staples, from which she retired in 2005. While she did not directly work in the field of social work, she always brought her social work skills to her interactions with the people she came in touch with, from complex customer service challenges at Prime and Staples, to being the calm listening ear for friends at the Hopkinton Senior Center, to her last few years at Countryside Health Care, where she served on the Residents Council and was an informal “ambassador” to isolated residents.

She was a “people person” and had many lifelong friends. She loved traveling and cruising, having a “toddy” with friends, and taking advantage of any opportunity for fun and adventure. She loved visiting Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket with her niece, gaining from her the lifelong nickname “Swizzle.” She was an epicurean and loved to savor foods from other cultures, especially seafood. She knew how to enjoy life.

Evelyn is survived by six nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Robert J. Swezey and Barbara Page Krahl.

A funeral service was held Feb. 18 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. Private burial was to be held in Troy, New York.

Obituaries | from page 21

ARRESTS

February 4

7:35 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin conducted a motor vehicle stop on Granite Street and subsequently arrested a 21-year-old from Cotuit and charged him with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor.

February 13

7:57 a.m. A caller reported a male knocking over mailboxes on West Main Street with a big stick. Sergeants Arthur Schofield and Timothy Brennan and officers Tyler Staback and Sean McKeon responded and found the suspect attempting to walk up the Interstate 495 ramp. An 18-year-old Whitinsville resident was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and malicious destruction of property over $1,200.

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

January 31

1:46 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley checked on two motor vehicles on West Main Street with front-end damage and found no one in the area.

5:16 a.m. A Hunter’s Ridge Way resident reported a possible breaking and entering. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded, spoke with the homeowner and checked the area with a negative find.

10:16 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Nicholas Walker and Tyler Staback responded and reported no personal injuries. A summons was issued.

11:08 a.m. An Erika Drive resident reported her neighbor witnessed someone in her vehicle. When the neighbor walked by, she noticed the car door open and then close. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and checked the vehicle in the driveway and found it untouched and covered in snow. The homeowner was advised.

February 1

3:56 p.m. A Summer Street caller requested to speak with an officer about a parking warning note left on his car windshield. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted and reported the note was not left by the Hopkinton Police Department.

8:03 p.m. A concerned customer reported two vehicles with flat tires in a West Main Street parking lot. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and checked both vehicles.

February 2

1:03 a.m. Officer Alexander Stewart checked on a person sleeping in an ATM booth on South Street and requested EMS. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Matthew Santoro found an open door at the property and checked the rest of the building and found it secure.

8:00 a.m. A Rosewood Lane resident reported a wild animal in her closet. A message was left for the animal control officer.

8:03 a.m. A caller reported that while walking her dogs in the State Park, she encountered a woman who warned her of a male in the park who acts aggressively toward others

and picks up rocks. The incident was logged.

1:57 p.m. A caller reported someone stole tools out of the back of his truck. Officer Nicholas Walker took a report.

2:36 p.m. Officer Brennan Grimley responded to a motor vehicle accident on Grove Street. No personal injuries were reported.

February 3

8:16 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan took a crash report on Gassett Road. No personal injuries were reported.

8:23 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell in the roadway of South Mill Street. A second caller reported a man was hit by the tree in the roadway and was suffering from hip, knee and buttocks pain. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Matthew Santoro and Nicholas Walker responded along with an ambulance and the DPW. The road was closed and the DPW removed the tree.

10:22 a.m. A motorist reported she struck a dog on Wood Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and reported the dog was OK and back with its owner.

3:36 p.m. A caller reported School

Bus 6 was traveling 45 mph in a 30 mph zone on Fruit Street and took a left turn without using the directional. Officer Matthew Santoro was notified.

6:56 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Augusto Diaz and Cody Normandin placed barricades on School Street after fallen wires were discovered.

7:11 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell down in the roadway of East Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and placed cones around the tree, and the Fire Department responded.

7:38 p.m. A caller reported a tree was hanging on wires on Clinton Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded, reported the road was unpassable and placed barricades in the area. Eversource and Verizon were notified.

7:56 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard reported a road hazard on Frankland Road, where tree branches fell and one lane of traffic was closed. The DPW was notified.

8:25 p.m. A caller reported a large tree fell on wires on West Main Street, making the road unpassable. Officers Cody Normandin and Matthew LaTour responded and notified Eversource and the Upton Police Department. Three barricades were placed in the area.

February 4

2:19 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley assisted the Fire Department with a burst water pipe on Holt Street.

5:31 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley discovered significant graffiti that appeared new at the former Center School on Ash Street. Officer Grimley checked the building and found no sign of forced entry.

February 5

6:11 a.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik assisted the Fire Department with flooding at a Blueberry Lane residence.

9:57 a.m. A walk-in from Old Town Road reported property damage, an ongoing problem with a neighbor. Sergeant Timothy Brennan assisted and

took a report of vandalism.

10:30 a.m. Officers Augusto Diaz and Cody Normandin assisted with a burst water pipe on Revolutionary Way.

12:05 p.m. A Sanctuary Lane reported water from the roof entering the house and requested help. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and assisted. The Fire Department also responded.

February 6

10:51 a.m. Sergeant William Burchard took a report of vandalism after broken doors were discovered on Constitution Court.

9:44 p.m. A Revolutionary Way resident reported someone keeps parking illegally in a handicap parking spot. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and issued a parking citation.

February 7

12:11 p.m. Officers Tyler Staback and Nicholas Walker took a report of illegal dumping on Woodview Way.

5:14 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik reported vandalism on Ash Street.

9:28 p.m. A caller reported walking around the Sandy Beach area and finding a dog with tags wandering around. An attempt was made to contact the owner, but no one answered the call. The dispatcher was able to contact the owner and arrange for the two to meet up. The incident was logged.

11:53 p.m. Officer Augusto Diaz spoke with a caller about an ongoing dispute with a tenant. The caller was advised that it was a civil issue and no police response was needed at the time. Officer Diaz took a report.

February 8

11:45 a.m. A walk-in reported identity theft. Sergeant Matthew McNeil assisted and took a report of fraud.

5:36 p.m. Officers Matthew LaTour and Cody Normandin assisted a disabled motor vehicle on South Street

Police Log | page 24

police log

and provided a person with a courtesy transport.

February 9

8:37 a.m. A caller reported a dog running loose in the roadway of College Street, then he stated the owner had possession of the dog. Officer Tyler Staback responded to confirm the situation and was unable to locate the reporting person or dog’s owner.

9:45 a.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik reported a vehicle was parked in the roadway of West Elm Street. The owner was advised to move the vehicle.

4:52 p.m. A caller reported a small dog running down Wood Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:15 p.m. Officers Cody Normandin and Nicholas Saletnik responded to Woody Island Road and took a report of an assault.

February 10

5:38 a.m. A Davis Road resident reported hearing someone attempting to enter her apartment. Officers Brennan Grimley and Sean McKeon responded and checked the area and found a neighbor outside walking a dog. All was OK.

3:24 p.m. A Briarcliff Drive resident reported damage to her storm door and thought she heard it being opened but did not see anyone in the vicinity. Officers Shannon Beloin and Nicholas Walker responded and took a report.

5:33 p.m. A caller reported losing a Louis Vuitton wallet. The incident was logged. The caller subsequently reported it was found in the CVS back parking lot.

5:49 p.m. A motorist reported a pit bull mix dog running on Interstate 495. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Cody Normandin responded.

6:56 p.m. A caller reported three suspicious men walking down Spring Street near Pond Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and spoke with the parties, who were on their way back from a hike. All was OK.

9:27 p.m. A Summit Way resident reported an active breaking and entering and witnessing a person exiting a window on the left side of his residence. Multiple officers responded along with the Milford Police Department and its K-9 unit and police from Southborough and Northborough. A report was taken.

10:36 p.m. An anonymous caller reported about 11 adolescents drinking and doing drugs by the pool table at Constitution Court. Officers Cody Normandin and Brennan Grimley responded along with State Police. A portable breathalyzer was used on those over 18 years of age. All individuals were picked up by parents or other responsible parties. One person was transported to the other side of the apartment complex.

11:44 p.m. Officer Augusto Diaz checked on youths playing basketball at the court on Hayden Rowe Street and moved them along.

February 11

10:29 a.m. Officer Matthew LaTour spoke with a caller who was charged for tolls on a previously reported stolen license plate. Officer LaTour took a report of fraud.

10:56 a.m. A caller reported that a utility company doing work in the area accidentally ran over his mailbox, and he has not heard from the company about repairing it. Officer Matthew LaTour assisted and called the utility company.

11:05 a.m. A caller reported a loose dog on Turnbridge Lane. The caller subsequently reported the owner retrieved the dog. The incident was logged.

2:45 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious gray Honda Accord that has been parked on and off in a spot on Alexander Road several times in the past month. The person in the vehicle was a white male with a beard, approximately 30 years old and between 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-6. Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find but did see a similar vehicle to the description leaving the subdivision. The license plate was recorded.

4:53 p.m. A walk-in reported losing a drone in a tree on the south side of Sandy Beach and wanted the incident logged.

7:51 p.m. Officer Sean McKeon checked on a possible disturbance on West Main Street and found a man yelling and arguing on the phone.

9:56 p.m. The Holliston Police De-

partment requested a check of the College Street and Connelly Hill Road areas for any suspicious people, as there was a possible breaking and entering in Holliston, just over the town line. Officers Brennan Grimley, Cody Normandin, Nicholas Walker and Shannon Beloin checked the area with a negative find.

February 12

1:02 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley removed shoes from the roadway of Cedar Street.

5:19 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin reported the stop sign on Overlook Road was on the ground and moved the road hazard.

February 13

6:38 a.m. A Pleasant Street caller reported a vehicle was parked in front of her house since midnight, and she saw someone in the vehicle. Officer Tyler Staback responded and found the vehicle moved to another street, where the owner was changing a flat tire. A written warning was issued.

1:06 p.m. A caller requested to speak with an officer about his exwife moving money from an account. Sergeant Arthur Schofield spoke to the caller about the civil dispute and gave advice.

8:09 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a dog on School Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and reported the owner was located and the dog was in the hands of its owner.