Cloutier puts singing on iceberg
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
N
ot everyone finds the cold and dark comforting, but indie folk singersongwriter Dan Cloutier takes it as an inspiration.
“I’m always writing songs about cold places,” he said. “I’m kind of obsessed with weird, isolated places.”
This affinity for the colder parts of the world has led Cloutier on a journey to create his new album, “The Iceberg.” Due out in May, the album is an exploration of growth, healing and mental health.
“The Iceberg” will be the fourth album for Cloutier, who is a former
Cloutier | 8
of the Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland.
Veterinarian takes dispute before SJC
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
A
Hopkinton veterinarian was awaiting a judgment about her suspended license from the state Supreme Judicial Court following a hearing Feb. 7. Former Attorney General of Massachusetts Martha Coakley represented Dr. Margo Roman, longtime veterinarian and owner of Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton (MASH), at the proceeding.
“We are here today because of a finding in error by the disciplinary board in veterinary medicine and the single justice that Dr. Roman was practicing beyond the scope of her license,” Coakley argued in her opening remarks. Roman received a two-year suspension in 2023 after a multiyear battle with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine. The suspension stemmed from a complaint regarding emails she sent to
Dan Cloutier poses for a selfie in front
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Planning Board gives The Trails final chance to resolve stormwater damage
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Planning Board voted 8-0 at its Feb. 10 meeting to have the town’s engineering consultant come up with a dollar amount for damage to Wilson Street that the Department of Public Works believes was caused by stormwater runoff from The Trails housing development.
At the next meeting on Feb. 24, this amount was to be presented to the Planning Board, DPW Director Kerry Reed and Vin Gately, the owner of The Trails. The board will vote on whether the bond amount should be increased from $75,000 to add the amount of the repair project. Also, it will decide if further construction at The Trails should be halted because the road damage would be considered a violation of its master plan special permit and related conditions if it is not fixed.
The town has had a long and complicated history with The Trails since 2021. The Conservation Commission imposed fines upon The Trails in 2023 that had been held in abeyance for nearly two years because of repeated violations. Stormwater ran off the property and impacted the Ashland reservoir as well as Wilson Street. Project engineer Peter Bemis and Gately insisted that the damage was caused by an intense rainfall period and worked to improve the stormwater management system. The Trails sued the Conservation Commission in early 2024.
The Trails clear cut the project area. Poor quality soil and the lack of a tree canopy allowed for “very little to no infiltration of runoff into the ground.” Water flowed off the property, which slopes downward into the street.
He added that there was a “fairly significant event in 2023” that caused water to flow down the street and in the gutters. The road damage was made worse with every subsequent storm.
Said Paradis: “Clearly there’s significant rot, and the edge of the pavement is undermined.”
He had been negotiating a solution with Bemis. It included installing a 400foot berm and a swale and repairing the pavement to convey water down Wilson Street. But there was “an abrupt stop” to their most recent negotiations.
Gately contended that he spent more than $10,000 in engineering fees to work with BETA to come to an agreement.
“The scope was to repair and restore whatever erosion has happened [to Wilson Street] to preconstruction condition,” he said. “To me, it means before this so-called damage happened.”
He questioned the extent of the road damage allegedly caused by The Trails, arguing that the road was not in great shape before the construction began. Gately said its “country drainage” system was impacted by large trucks that drive down Wilson Street.
Principal Planner John Gelcich explained that town and The Trails representatives met before the Planning Board meeting, but the parties reached an impasse. He noted that The Trails was “not really on board with doing any more work to try and solve the problem.”
Chair Rob Benson said the board had several options. It could increase The Trails’ bond amount. It also could pursue a violation against The Trails that would force construction to stop. The third option would be to “find an agreeable mutual solution,” but Benson didn’t see that happening.
Phil Paradis, the town’s engineering consultant from BETA Group, explained that BETA had been reviewing construction of The Trails for “a number of years” on behalf of the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. He noted “the magnitude of the problem here” began several years before when
Gately’s perspective is that he is being asked not only to repair the road but also to improve it, which he said is not his responsibility. He noted that his property only abuts about 600 feet of the 2,400 feet of Wilson Street where the impact occurred.
The town’s improvement plan included construction of a stone channel of about 800 feet. Gately said The Trails has no frontage there. Because a channel “was never there to begin with,” he did not believe it was his responsibility to build one. He also questioned why he was being asked to construct a 4-foot road shoulder, because none existed before.
Stressed Gately: “I just think the scope had gone beyond — well beyond — what our original responsibility is.”
“Our perspective hasn’t changed,” Reed countered. “I believe that the runoff from The Trails property during construction caused damage to Wilson [Street].”
She added that she didn’t provide specifics when asking The Trails Planning Board | 3
Planning Board gives The Trails final chance to resolve stormwater damage
representatives to fix the road damage.
Paradis noted that Bemis came up with the repair plan that included a cross culvert at the bottom of the hill. Paradis said he shouldn’t do that, recommending a berm instead. He also corrected Gately on the shoulder width the town requested, saying it was 1 foot, not 4. He added it would be less costly for Gately to work with the town than putting the project out to bid.
“We need corrective action,” said Benson. He requested that Paradis prepare an estimate of the work needed and present it at the next meeting. The board was to render its decision then.
Board endorses Wilson Street, Winter Street ANR requests
The board voted 8-0 to endorse an Approval Not Required (ANR) plan that subdivides 9-11 Wilson Street into four lots. This would allow for the construction of a single-family home on one of the new lots.
John Nenart of D & L Design Group, Inc. represented the applicant, D&B Ventures. The property currently consists of two lots totaling more than 14 acres. The request was to cut a 2.1acre lot around an existing house so that a proposed single-family house can be built on the remaining 12.25 acres.
Nenart explained that both lots have the required 200 feet of frontage on Wilson Street, with one lot having 322 feet. Both lots have direct access to this street.
Our perspective hasn’t changed. I believe that the runoff from The Trails property during construction caused damage to Wilson [Street].
— DPW Director Kerry Reed
Also endorsed in a 7-0 vote was an ANR proposal regarding 109-111 Winter Street. Consultant Joe Marquedant represented the landowners. He said that in January 2024, the parties agreed to a land swap that transferred parcels between the two properties.
He explained that when the 2024 plan was brought to the Land Court, which had jurisdiction over 111 Winter Street, the court rejected it because recorded land should not have been shown on the same plan as land under its jurisdiction.
Said Marquedant: “So in essence, they told us to split the plan that we prepared into two separate plans.”
While the basic concept of the original plan is the same, there is “a minor change” of “a couple of inches on a handful of spots.” Currently, 109 Winter Street, a rental property, is unoccupied.
Snow clearing appreciated
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Iwould like to give a big shout-out to our Highway Department for keeping our sidewalks cleared so quickly and thoroughly after every storm. Many of my friends travel to Florida every winter instead of being stuck inside. I am able to walk safely every day during the winter, and I am greatly appreciative.
— Kathleen Derocher Waldron, Hopkinton
Central Trail dog etiquette
FAQs for Center Trail dog walkers:
Question: Do I have to clean up my dog’s poop?
Answer: Yes. Poop bags are free of charge in dispensers at the trailheads on Main Street, Loop Road and Chamberlain Street.
Question: Doesn’t the town pick up dog poop?
Answer: No, but a brave volunteer empties about 100 pounds of poop from the trailhead receptacles each week. Imagine if it all were left lying along the trail.
Question: I don’t like having to carry a full poop bag. OK if I leave it along the trail?
Answer: No one likes carrying a poop bag, but they like having to pick up yours even less.
Question: OK if I just cover the poop up with snow?
Answer: When you put a bag of peas into the freezer, does it disappear, or is it still there when you open the door?
— David Dollenmayer, Hopkinton
Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions, check the Hopkinton Independent website (HopkintonIndependent. com) and click on the Contact header, then on Editorial Deadlines.
~ Seller
Senior Services, HYFS, library budget concerns expressed
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
Before the Select Board continued its departmental budget proposal review for fiscal year 2026 on Feb. 18, several residents advocated for funding for that would benefit Hopkinton’s older and younger residents.
The uncertainty over potential federal funding cuts, combined with the town’s fiscal constraints, prompted people to advocate for the Hopkinton Public Library and Senior Services.
The Accounting/Procurement & Grants budget request also was under review, but its proposal showed a savings from the previous year. Youth & Family Services, during its presentation, outlined its concerns about potential staff cuts if federal grant funding dries up.
Residents advocate for priorities
“Hopkinton, like most of Massachusetts, is also an aging community,” Sam Docknevich, the Council on Aging (COA) secretary, read from a COA letter drafted earlier in the day. He pointed out that in 2020, 19% of Hopkinton’s population was age 60 and older. By 2030, that population is expected to grow to 27%.
A 2024 community needs assessment showed challenges facing older residents who want to age in place. They included lack of affordable and accessible housing, financial insecurity because of higher taxes, cost of living and housing, and limited transportation options for people who don’t drive. These concerns likely will grow as the older population swells.
He added: “Meeting the needs of seniors is just as important as meeting the needs of Hopkinton’s children.”
COA vice chair Paula Haas, speaking as a resident, pointed out that some younger residents intend to move out of town once their children graduate from school. This detracts from the “warm feeling of being a community” that older residents value.
Nancy “Punky” Drawe, the COA chair, spoke of her heavy involvement in the Senior Center. Also, five forms were submitted to the Select Board in support of the Senior Center and were included in its packet.
Warren Carter, vice chair of the Library Board of Trustees, said funding the library’s budget request was “a no-brainer.” He pointed out that the total value of the library’s services “represents about $23 million a year.”
Linda Clancy, a member of the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library, called the library a “gem” that offers free resources for all ages.
Departments make cases for funding
The Youth & Family Services budget presentation gave the most dramatic view into what proposed federal funding cuts could mean for Hopkinton. Director Dawn Alcott Miller explained that “on the surface,” the budget request is slightly
less than it was for FY 25 at just over $348,000. But the current review of federal grants has led to “a state of uncertainty” because half of the department’s staff is funded by three federal grants. This includes two youth substance use prevention staff members funded through grants. A “piece of” the remaining three staff members is covered by a Mental Health Awareness Training grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
A social worker position remains vacant, Alcott Miller said, although offers have been made to applicants who declined them.
“We’re the only department I think that is heavily grant funded,” she added, noting that mental health training and promotion programs as well as the youth internship program may have to be slashed.
She added that former presidents, including current President Donald Trump, supported DrugFree Communities grants, so she is trying to remain “hopeful.”
Included in the budget request is $25,000 for Project Just Because, a non-profit statewide food pantry. Alcott Miller said that while the South Street operation has received that amount over the past 10 years, its costs are increasing.
“You bring a tremendous service to the town and to its youth,” said Select Board chair Brian Herr. He called the potential pulling of federal funding “a nationwide problem caused by a bunch of stuff in D.C.”
“We cannot let our world get dictated by that nonsense,” he added.
Senior Services director Amy Beck said the department’s FY 26 operating budget increased by 5.79% over FY 25 to just over $578,000. Most of that is for the two salaried positions, but more than 100 volunteers help provide services to seniors.
Her one worry was being able to afford the price of postage for the Senior Center newsletter, which is sent to about 2,500 homes per month. She hoped more people would be willing to read it online.
Said Beck: “Senior Services is able to do a lot
with a little, and we always find ways to make it work.”
Vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere pointed out to Council on Aging members who expressed support that the letter they submitted needs to be sent to their state legislators, as some of their requests can only be accomplished at that level.
Library director Nanci Hill told the Select Board that she was requesting nearly $1,050,000, an increase of about 5.8% over FY 25, to keep level services. This amount is only 0.83% of the town budget despite its overall positive impact on the town, she noted.
Staffing encompasses 92% of the budget, Hill said. She explained that in order to remain certified by the state, the HPL must spend 15% of its budget on materials. While the town provides less than one-third of that amount, the rest of it comes from trusts, which she said are “becoming depleted.”
Said Hill: “At some point, we’re going to have to really seriously look at the fact that the other sources of income … are not going to sustain keeping up the level that’s required in order to become certified or stay certified.”
Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch asked if the library’s foundation or the friends group could help. Hill said they primarily pay for programming rather than materials.
Hill said the $24,000 membership fee to the Central and Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing (CWMARS) consortium of regional libraries in her budget request allows access to 7.6 million items, as well as database and software discounts.
She stressed that the library has been open on weekends without incurring any additional cost to the town. When the budget process began, she feared having to cut weekend access because she wouldn’t have been able to afford staffing. Cindy Johnson, the senior accounting manager/ town accountant, requested $288,612 for FY 26, a decrease of 8.6%. She explained that before people were hired, outside consultants had to be hired to complete financial reporting and prepare for audits.
Conservation Commission chastises homeowner for removing 74 trees
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Conservation Commission at its meeting Feb. 11 warned a homeowner not to remove any more trees from her property after receiving a violation notice for clearing at least 74 trees in January.
Conservation Administrator Judy Day told the commission she received a phone call on Jan. 3 from a concerned neighbor about significant tree removal being conducted at 10 Exchange Street, across from Whitehall Brook.
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When Day arrived, she witnessed several trees “actively being removed,” while others “had been cut down.” She issued a cease-and-desist order later that day after determining that there was a perennial stream there.
Homeowner Padma Jammalamadaka said she purchased the home last September. She described many trees being “broken and fallen.” After neighbors expressed concerns about trees potentially falling on their homes, she decided to have them removed. She called Anna Rogers, the town’s environmental and inspectional services coordinator, before hiring a tree removal service. Rogers had advised her to hire a wetland scientist to assess the property, which Jammalamadaka said she did not realize contained wetlands. Despite that advice, she hired a tree removal service for an estimate. Because of the weather, the wetland boundary could not be delineated.
In a site walk with Jammalamadaka on Jan. 6, Day observed additional wetlands. She and Rogers gave approval for one dead tree to be removed after issuing the violation. Day estimated that 74 trees
had been removed, although she was unsure of how many were under the commission’s jurisdiction.
Said Jammalamadaka: “We just wanted to clear some stuff so that we can at least see what we could do with the property.”
But later that week, a different neighbor reported additional trees being cut down, Day said.
Co-vice chair Ted Barker-Hook, who chaired the meeting at that point, asked Jammalamadaka why she allowed this to happen. She said she had already paid for the service.
Barker-Hook implored her not to have any more trees removed until the delineation could be completed in the spring
“In your effort to save money, you may have cost yourself a lot,” he said, “either in replanting trees or in fines.”
Jammalamadaka apologized, saying she would “do whatever is necessary to replenish the trees.”
This case was used as an example later in the meeting during the discussion on guidance for issuing violations. In the past, commission members talked about education efforts for residents so that they understand and abide by the rules, along with developers. Community education was prioritized as a goal for this year.
Hayden Rowe widening moves forward
After analyzing the town’s proposed street widening plan at 129 Hayden Rowe Street, the commission voted 6-1 to issue an order of conditions with a condition added for an invasive species
Case of veterinarian’s suspended license goes before SJC
her veterinary clients in March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In those emails, Roman promoted the use of ozone therapy for humans as a method of combating coronavirus. The emails also directed clients to resources on MASH’s website for purchasing ozone therapy machines.
Part of the emails encouraged patients to let the ozone generator vendors know Roman had referred them because “they understand how we have tried to educate our clients to be protective,” according to the veterinary board’s appellee brief to the SJC.
In its findings, the veterinary board concluded that Roman’s advice to her human clients exceeded the scope of her veterinary license. The board believed that Roman used “the color of authority of her veterinary license” to provide advice about human health.
In her appearance in front of the SJC, Coakley argued that Roman’s email did not constitute veterinary practice but rather general health advice. She cited past actions by the veterinary board and noted that in those cases, discipline was administered in the context of patientclient relationships.
“Educating herself and the public … and giving general health advice is all [Roman] did in that email,” Coakley said.
Assistant attorney general Grace Gohlke, who represented the veterinary board, disagreed with Coakley’s assertion of “general health advice.”
“This is a targeted communication people are receiving because they are her clients,” Gohlke said.
She went on to explain that the board’s primary concern revolved around the trust clients place in Roman for her expertise as a veterinarian. “They don’t necessarily know exactly what the limits of [Roman’s] license are,” she said.
The court justices probed the limits of the veterinary board’s decision in their questions to both attorneys.
Justice Scott Kafer brought up the context of the email and the role of medical professionals in passing along information from government officials at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If she wrote something that just tracked what the governor was telling people to do, wouldn’t that be OK?” he asked.
“Did [the board] take into account the state of knowledge about the pandemic at this point?” added Justice Frank Gaziano.
Gohlke argued that the state of knowledge “cuts both ways,” and that it is imperative for professionals to remain within the scope of their own licenses during times of uncertainty.
The SJC has taken the case under advisement. A date for a decision has not been determined yet.
Roman: Veterinary board ‘vindictive’
For Roman, the SJC hearing is another step in a series of continued struggles with the Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine.
“It’s an accumulation of vindictive behavior on the part of the board,” she said in an interview with the Independent.
Roman has been a practitioner of homeopathic medicine for decades. Her inclusion of ozone therapy has been ongoing since 2004, when she used it
It’s been a vindictive, capricious attack on progress in veterinary medicine. … To have this kind of thing be so attacked because I’m trying to do alternative stuff, it’s not right.
— Veterinarian Margo Roman
as a treatment for cancer on a horse she owned. She claims that adding medical ozone to the care of her animal patients has led to significant outcomes.
Ozone therapy remains a controversial treatment. The Food and Drug Administration classifies ozone as “a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive or preventative therapy.” Some research indicates ozone treatments are effective in the treatment of conditions such as herniated discs in humans, though more research is needed.
It was Roman’s background and knowledge of ozone therapy that led to the content of her March 2020 email.
“I was using my scientific skills and knowledge for the protection of animals, humans and public health,” she said.
Added Roman: “Is that fair for me to shut my mouth in the middle of a pandemic? That would have been, to me, corrupt.”
During the SJC hearing, the judges appeared to speak to Roman’s concerns.
“It seems that this is content-based, in that had she said, ‘Wear a mask and socially distance,’ the government would be a-OK with that,” said Graziano to Gohlke. “But because she said this alternative type of treatment, then she’s in violation.”
Kafer concurred, wondering if the state had to find ozone therapy a “kooky” treatment for the court to justify upholding the suspension.
The state noted that the evidence in Roman’s case suggested no mal intent on her part, nor that clients had taken the advice. Evidence entered about the toxicity of ozone therapy also had been removed from earlier filings.
“This is not about whether ozone is good or effective therapy,” argued Gohlke. “The problem here is she failed to maintain the boundary between her veterinary practice and other knowledge she might have.”
Although the board has said in its court filings that Roman’s case is not a referendum on ozone or other alternative medicines, Roman says the opposite is true.
“It’s been a vindictive, capricious attack on progress in veterinary medicine,” Roman said, claiming major veterinary schools and even the veterinary board are “paid by pharma.”
“To have this kind of thing be so attacked because I’m trying to do alternative stuff, it’s not right,” she added.
HPD investigates BB gun incidents
The Hopkinton Police Department’s deputy chief confirmed that the department is investigating incidents over the past few weeks where the occupants of a vehicle allegedly shot at homes in the same neighborhood with a BB gun.
NEWS BRIEFS
In a Feb. 5 email to the Independent, Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten stated that the homes incurred damage to siding and, in one case, a window.
“We have home security video and possible suspects but no arrests have been made,” he stated.
Van Raalten shared a photo of the vehicle suspected of being used in the shootings that was obtained from a Nest home security system. It captured what appears to be a white pickup truck at night.
No further information was released, as this is an ongoing investigation.
The most recent incident involving the alleged use of a BB gun in a shooting occurred on Feb. 1 at a home on Deneen Road, according to the police log. The caller believed that “a vehicle’s operator and occupants threw a bunch of rocks at her house.” Officers responding to the call noted that a BB gun apparently had been used. The report stated that officers were “following up at an address nearby where the same thing happened.”
On Jan. 9, the police log indicated that a caller who lives on nearby Oakhurst Road was vandalized overnight. The report indicated that the window was “possibly shot out by a BB or pellet gun.”
Last July, a police log entry indicated that a Spring Street resident reported “a BB hole in her garage window.” The caller wanted to document the incident with HPD.
‘Misunderstanding’ at Legacy Farms
What initially was reported to be a racial incident between a pedestrian and a snow plow driver in the Legacy Farms neighborhood early this month appeared to be a case of miscommunication, according to the Hopkinton Police Department.
“It seems like a giant misunderstanding,” said HPD Detective Sergeant Greg DeBoerr.
The HPD received a call at 11:13 a.m. on Feb. 3 that a resident’s father had been out walking in Legacy Farms
when “a man in a pickup truck with a plow tried to run him over,” per HPD police logs.
DeBoerr said the pedestrian was forced to dodge the plow truck twice as it came up and down the sidewalks. Prior to this, the driver had yelled something out his window at him.
“[The pedestrian] thinks he’s being targeted,” DeBoerr explained.
Upon further investigation and speaking with the plow driver, who is an independent contractor for the housing development, the HPD determined the event was the result of a communication issue and “did not appear it was a targeted attack.”
According to DeBoerr, the plow driver reportedly cautioned the man to move so the sidewalks could be plowed and sanded. Due to a language barrier, the man did not understand the plow driver’s instruction.
“One person couldn’t understand what another person was saying,” said DeBoerr. “I don’t think there was malicious intent by either side.”
Even though the HPD says the issue is resolved, DeBoerr still commended the man’s son for contacting the department. He hopes residents feel they can come to the HPD for support if and when racial incidents do occur.
Stressed DeBoerr: “We want people to feel comfortable and reach out to us to make sure that there isn’t anything happening that shouldn’t be happening in our town.”
Article details burglary ring
Work by the Hopkinton Police Department to bring down a ring of
thieves targeting predominantly South Asian families recently was highlighted by The Boston Globe.
In January, the Globe ran an article detailing how a ring of thieves allegedly stole more than $4 million in valuables from homes in 41 communities from Boston to Rhode Island. Hopkinton became a recurring target, with seven homes burgled between 2021 to 2023.
The thieves were active from June 2018 to April 2024, when they finally were apprehended. Hopkinton Detective Sgt. Gregg DeBoerr, who was present at one of the arrests in Rhode Island, said that the HPD and the Commonwealth Fusion Center had their eyes on these suspects for a while but weren’t able to pin them down until last year.
“A detective lieutenant in Medway was on to these guys and could never prove it was [them],” said DeBoerr. “We had surveillance on them but couldn’t nail them down.”
DeBoerr and Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten worked with the fusion center and task force of other affected towns to track the suspects using technology. He said they relied on cellular data to narrow down and track the suspects.
Many of the homes targeted by the suspects were South Asian. For these families, jewelry is an important part of their culture, DeBoerr explained. Those targeted also tended to keep these items in one location of their house — a fact the thieves exploited.
“Instead of the entire house, they’d target the master suite because that’s where they’d keep the most valuable items,” said DeBoerr.
Detectives recovered some jewelry that tied directly back to Hopkinton. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for every affected family and community.
stage,” according to Mannan, that process stalled in 2024.
To get back on track, the town must evaluate the financial aspects of the plan, complete design work and sign the final agreement. From there, Hopkinton must go to the state water board for approval.
“The last time I checked, we are not on the [state’s] radar yet,” said Mannan. “We definitely need to get that ball rolling.”
He hopes that meaningful steps will be made toward finalizing the agreement with Southborough within the next month.
Mannan stated that other priorities for the new board include greater public awareness and education. Especially when it comes to setting annual water use rates, the data can be confusing.
“We’ve felt we don’t always have all the information or expertise to analyze that [data] and be confident we have optimal pricing,” Mannan said. “We need closer expert help in this arena.”
The hope is that the Water & Sewer Board will help the Select Board understand how to optimize water system costs, as well as aid in communicating that information to the community.
Part of the awareness goal will focus also on continuous monitoring of the town’s water systems. Mannan said the town needs to build a framework for continuous monitoring “in a more robust way and communicate to residents to have a clear understand of [any] challenges and remediation work.”
The end goal is to help residents be aware of what is happening with the water in their homes and backyards.
“Awareness is very important,” Mannan said. “The Water & Sewer Board, the Department of Public Works … they’re at the forefront of making it happen.”
Warning issued about bird flu
Town officials are urging residents to take caution around waterfowl, chickens and other migratory birds as avian influenza makes its way into New England.
“We couldn’t get everything back, but we could offer a sense of closure,” said DeBoerr.
Committee looks at MWRA connection
Now that the Water & Sewer Advisory Board has formed and held its inaugural meeting, town officials hope to see progress on key water priorities and initiatives — particularly the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority connection project.
In an interview with the Independent, Select Board member Shahidul Mannan said that the MWRA connection is at the top of the Water & Sewer Board’s priority list. Although an agreement to connect to the MWRA through Southborough is at “a pretty advanced
The town first raised concern about the issue in late January. At that time, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) had notified municipalities that the H5N1 avian influenza virus — commonly referred to as bird flu — was being reported in both wild and domestic birds across the state.
MDAR suspects an outbreak of the virus was responsible for the recent deaths of geese and other wildlife in Plymouth.
Health Director Shaun McAuliffe said he was unaware of any crossover cases to humans in Massachusetts, but monitoring is ongoing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 67 confirmed human cases and at least one death since the outbreak began last year.
The primary concern about crossover is the potential for the virus to gain mutations that make person-toperson transfer easier. There also are concerns that bird flu can infect pet
This vehicle is suspected of being involved in recent alleged BB gun shootings, according to the Hopkinton Police Department.
SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
This issue’s winner is Jasmine Lee for this photo of a deer poking its head out from behind a tree in a backyard on Whalen Road. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@ hopkintonindependent. com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.
The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by BoMain. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to BoMain.
animals like cats and dogs, leading to death or other negative impacts.
“As low risk as [the virus] is, it’s a larger risk for your cats and dogs,” McAuliffe said.
As a result, the town is asking residents to exercise caution around dead or dying birds. McAuliffe recommends avoiding them when possible and using a procedure similar to picking up after pets if residents feel compelled to deal with them.
“Don’t touch it with your bare hands, don’t get it on your clothing and don’t bring it up to your face,” he said. Residents should use bags and protective gear if available.
McAuliffe also noted that the virus is not consistent across all birds. Aquatic birds, waterfowl and raptors are the species most at risk. Songbirds are susceptible as well, but McAuliffe said finding infections in those species would be “unusual.”
Those with concerns about potentially infected birds are encouraged to contact either the Health Department or the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Drought persists despite snow
Despite a rash of recent snowstorms that have blanketed Hopkinton in several inches of snow, there is no relief to ongoing drought conditions.
According to information the Department of Public Works shared on Facebook from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the majority of the state still is dealing with significant drought conditions.
“The state moved our area back up into critical from the previous distinction of moderate,” said Water/ Sewer Department manager Eric Carty.
“We have not seen much recharge,” he noted. Measurements in midFebruary put the town at 8 inches below normal groundwater levels.
The lack of recharge has left the town’s wells unable to pump at capacity, forcing them to pull from deeper in the aquifers. This also pulls up sediments and elements like iron and manganese, which affect water quality.
Carty explained that the town saw some groundwater come back into the aquifers in December, but frost has prevented any more from soaking into the ground. He said there are areas of town where the frost measures up to 3 feet deep.
“It’s so cold [the snow] is basically all sitting on top of the ground right now,” Carty said.
Another factor impacting the replenishment of the town’s aquifers is the quality of snow recent storms have deposited. Carty claimed the snow is “light and fluffy and not very moistureladen.”
Hopkinton’s best hopes for groundwater recharge will come from rain in the spring. Otherwise, the town will be starting from a deficit as the warmer months approach.
“We’re going to hope for a nice, wet spring and a nice, slow melt,” Carty said.
Cloutier explores growth, healing, icebergs on latest album
Cloutier | from page 1
resident of Hopkinton and an executive administrator at the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. He says the record came out of a dark period of his life in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic.
“My dad died a year after COVID started, and a loved one went through a hard time with their own mental health at the same time,” said Cloutier.
Cloutier’s father was Rev. Bob Cloutier, the assistant pastor at Faith Community Church (FCC) in Hopkinton. He passed away in 2021 after fighting a rare form of lymphoma. The reverend had served the community at FCC for over 37 years before his passing.
The difficulty of that loss, along with dealing with another family member’s mental health struggles “led to a really dark couple of years in my life,” Cloutier said.
Once the darkness in Cloutier’s life began to wane, the songs that would become his new album started taking shape.
“As I was beginning to heal and grow, I started writing all these songs that became ‘The Iceberg,’ ” he explained. Cloutier said that he wanted to write songs that would help people, while not glossing over the difficulties of life. Almost all of the songs on the album address mental health issues and the importance of community.
“The theme of the album is that everyone’s going to go through a hard time,” said Cloutier, “[but] you’re not alone — there’s always help around the corner.”
Music in the Arctic Circle
“The Iceberg” is both a symbolic and literal name for the album. With much of an iceberg’s mass hidden below the surface, it seemed to Cloutier an apt metaphor for the message in his songs. But he wanted to add in a unique
experience he could capture as part of the album’s development.
“I wanted to go find an iceberg and record a couple songs there,” Cloutier said. “I’d never seen an iceberg before.”
This idea led him to starting a Kickstarter in February 2024 to raise funds for a trip to Newfoundland. There, he would track down an iceberg and record a few of the songs for the album. The initial goal was $6,000; if he managed to raise $10,000, he planned to travel to Greenland as well and record additional tracks there.
He managed to raise just under $20,000 in two months.
Cloutier said he was surprised at the response he received to his Kickstarter campaign. Prior to “The Iceberg,” he had not recorded any new music for several years. His last album, coincidentally titled “The Battle of Greenland,” debuted in 2017.
“I didn’t know if I still had the fans who were going to support me,” he said.
Cloutier has pursued music as a passion since about 2003, although he first got into songwriting in high school. He played his first gig at the John Warren Masonic Lodge on Main Street and sang songs at battle of the bands competitions at Hopkinton High School.
Over his career, he has opened for acts including John Hyatt, Ellis Paul and Richie Havens. Beyond his work as a solo musician, Cloutier also has performed with a band known as The Great Molasses Flood.
He says the COVID-19 pandemic caused his music career to slow down, which is why the support for his Kickstarter campaign came as a surprise.
“I think a lot of it was because they knew that I’d gone through a hard time losing my dad to cancer,” Cloutier surmised.
With the backing of his community, Cloutier spent the summer of 2024 chasing icebergs and recording music in Newfoundland and Greenland. He recounted having to drive 10
When you push the art with as much force as you can, you let [it] go as far as it needs to go.
— Dan Cloutier
hours in Newfoundland to find an iceberg, along with the time he spent in Ilulissat, Greenland.
“It’s stunning — the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,” Cloutier said of his journey to the Ilulissat Icefjord.
Cloutier is in the process of mixing the final tracks on “The Iceberg.” He anticipates the first single off the album, “Synapses Fire,” will be released sometime in February.
Travel videos will promote album
An interesting aspect of Cloutier’s plans to promote the album is a series of videos on his YouTube channel.
The videos, which chronicle his journeys to Greenland and Newfoundland, feature his new music as the backdrop for stunning vistas and, of course, plenty of icebergs. Viewers can join Cloutier as he takes in the northern lights, eats at a remote two-star Michelin restaurant, hikes trails in Newfoundland and plays his music in scenic locales.
The decision to document and share his journey was born from a love of travel videos — a passion he shares with his wife, Kalina. But Cloutier said the travelogues also are about taking his fans on the journey with him.
“How can you make these stories more human and more accessible to people?” he said. “What journey can you take them on?”
Cloutier has about a third of the videos he plans to make uploaded to his YouTube channel. More will be released as the album release date comes closer.
The album’s official release date is set for May 2. To celebrate, FCC is hosting Cloutier and his band at its Hopkinton campus. The party will feature Cloutier and his band playing through the album, along with a constant loop of his travel videos playing in the church’s main hall. Worcester-based duo Ash & Eric will open the show.
Apart from the big release party, Cloutier says he plans on working to get his songs on the radio, as well as booking gigs to continue promoting the album. He reported that he’s been working to get press in Greenland and Newfoundland as well as locally.
For Cloutier, all this effort is about “trying to bring goodness into the world.” While he’s not a full-time musician, he feels the need to do his art justice and let it reach those who need it.
“When you push the art with as much force as you can, you let [it] go as far as it needs to go,” he said.
Dan Cloutier looks out at an iceberg for the cover of his latest album.
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Select Board at its meeting Feb. 18 received an overview of the warrant articles for the May 5 Town Meeting.
Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said the current number of proposed articles is 51, but some may be removed. The draft warrant will be presented at the next Select Board meeting.
There are three articles outside of the capital process, she explained. One is a placeholder article from the Open Space Preservation Commission to fund an unspecified land purchase. The second is a citizens petition to fund a legal review of the transfer of open space at Legacy Farms to the Hopkinton Area Land Trust. The third is a citizens petition to prohibit the use of compression-released engine brakes used mainly on diesel trucks.
Three draft items were submitted by the Select Board regarding economic development. The first was a home rule petition that would create an economic development revenue account into which meals tax revenue would be deposited. Member Shahidul Mannan previously recommended additional goals that should be included, so Lazarus incorporated them into the article. References were added to “economic development projects that stimulate economic growth” as well as attracting new businesses, current business retention and improving infrastructure.
The second was an article to create an economic development advisory board. Lazarus said this could be done by a bylaw at Town Meeting, an administrative order or a Select Board vote.
Member Amy Ritterbusch said it
Select Board reviews ATM articles, reaffirms commitment to DEI Compassionate
we have seen it time and time again.” “I support those words 100%,” said Herr. “Nothing has changed.”
New school funding agreement OK’d
— Select Board member Shahidul Mannan
would be “much cleaner” to create this board through the Select Board and allow for more flexibility than a Town Meeting article.
The third was to create an economic development office through a bylaw. This office also could be established by the town without a bylaw change and likewise would add flexibility.
Lazarus said doing this through Town Meeting is “unusual,” and she was not “super excited about it.”
Ritterbusch agreed, saying that it would be more prudent to see how much revenue is generated by the meals tax to see if it would support the position. Mannan said the advisory board would and funding would be in place by the time the director would be hired.
Town’s commitment to DEI reaffirmed
Lazarus noted that at the last meeting, a resident asked the Select Board to affirm its stance on the town’s policies on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). That resident was Jak Miller, the library’s assistant director.
Miller’s comments prompted a discussion on the town’s ideology on DEI. Lazarus pointed out that the Select Board voted unanimously to address
systemic racism, social injustice and inequality on Dec. 8, 2020.
She added that the preamble to the town’s charter states:
“The Town of Hopkinton welcomes residents of all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, gender identifications and sexual orientations; the Town of Hopkinton, further, is committed to providing a climate of safety and acceptance to all residents. The Town of Hopkinton will actively address and resist acts of discrimination, bullying or intimidation.”
Said Lazarus: “This is what we as a government entity adhere to every day.”
“We did the pledge back in 2020,” said Ritterbusch, “and I’d certainly be happy to reaffirm that for myself.”
She noted that people, particularly who are in the transgender and LGB communities, and immigrants who are here legally are feeling “vulnerable.”
LaFreniere noted that she, Ritterbusch and Herr were on the board in 2020 and all took the pledge.
“Obviously, our town has stood up for what is right,” added Mannan. “And
The board voted 4-0 to authorize Herr to sign the project funding agreement between the town and the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the new Charleswood School. This document allows the town to receive state reimbursement for some of the project’s costs.
Mannan said the project currently is under budget by $8.7 million. The school is expected to cost around $118 million.
Annual race, parade permits approved
The board approved 4-0 several permits for annual town events beginning in mid-April. They include:
— The Marathon Committee’s request for a 100-yard dash to be held on April 19 at 2 p.m.
— The Little League Opening Day Parade scheduled for April 27 at 10:30 a.m. The rain date is May 4.
— The Dick & Rick Hoyt Memorial “Yes You Can” Walk/Run on May 24 at 10 a.m.
— The Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Race to Cure ALS on June 14 at 8:30 a.m.
— The Class of 2025 Senior Car Parade to be held on June 7 at 10 a.m.
The Hopkinton Women’s Club recently made a donation to Compassion New England, an organization that serves individuals, families and foster families in need of basic necessities. In the photo, Compassion New England representative Shana Sullivan (center) welcomes the donation from HWC representatives Nancy Tarsi (left) and Nan Proulx.
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Recently perceived changes to the structure of real estate commissions haven’t really changed things much at all. This was noted in the Professional Insights article published in the Dec. 18, 2024, issue of the Hopkinton Independent. Many home buyers have long had the misconception that it benefits them to negotiate directly with the seller’s agent rather than use their own buyer’s agent.
Some buyers believe that by cutting out the buyer’s agent, they can get some or all of the offered buyer agency commission. That’s not necessarily the case, as it creates extra work for the listing agency. Licensed agencies are never obligated to share a commission with an unlicensed buyer. After all, kickbacks are illegal, and buyers who believe they’re entitled to a licensed agent’s commission are mistaken.
When buyers feel entitled to that commission, they may make lowball offers to make up the difference, which can lead to them losing out in multiple-offer situations. It may be hard for them to understand that the listing agency already has pre-negotiated the commission with the seller of what they will be paid if the buyer comes direct, as now the agent has more work to do to keep the deal together when having to manage and oversee a buyer’s process and expectations.
It’s the real estate agent’s job — and their goal — to manage stress and expectations by educating their clients; helping them understand their rights as well as understanding and communicating the working of home systems; understanding well and septic systems that may be foreign, scary or overwhelming for buyers who never had them; doing due diligence when it comes to meeting health, conservation and building departments’ requirements; understanding the condition and risks of the home; dealing with inspection and safety issues; determining the value of the home; and working with attorneys and mortgage companies to ensure a smooth transaction and get you to the finish line.
Buyers and sellers may go through the home sale process once a decade, but your agent navigates the process on a daily basis. Rely on their expertise and experience, as those are invaluable to help you prepare and price a home, create a competitive offer and keep the transaction together, especially when dealing with difficult clients and unexpected snags such as home inspection and title issues.
Homes sell for what the buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to accept. Paying your agent fairly gives them incentive to work hard for you. There is no standard commission rate, so if an agent’s rates are different than others, ask what services their rate includes or cuts out.
Hard-working real estate agents who know the value they bring to the table and refuse to compromise their high level of service deserve fair compensation, and they’ll ensure you have an enjoyable home buying or selling experience.
Buyers are advised to keep their existing relationships with buyer agents, to explore the benefits of having an agent and to consider making fair market value offers in order to “win” the house in multiple-offer situations.
It’s unwise for both buyers and sellers to underestimate the value of their agents to keep the deal together. Statistics show that buying or selling a home can be as stressful as a death in the family.
Foemmel Foemmel Fine Homes 1 Lumber Street, Suite 207C Hopkinton, MA (508) 808-1149 kim.foemmel@gmail.com FoemmelFineHomes.com
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 5-year-old Tiny.
Here is Baypath’s description of Tiny:
“Tiny might just be the perfect addition to your family! This gorgeous gray and white boy is as charming as he is handsome. Tiny is a well-rounded pup who gets along beautifully with other dogs and has a playful, goofy side that will keep you smiling. He’s always ready for a good romp with his toys or a delicious treat (his favorite things in the world).
“Despite his playful nature, Tiny has a laid-back vibe that makes him a great companion for cozy nights at home. He’s also a smart cookie — he already knows how to sit and would love to learn even more with your guidance. Bonus points if you’re a fan of giving butt scratches because Tiny absolutely adores them!
“Tiny may do well with kids and would likely thrive in a family environment where he can share his love and gentle personality. While we’re not sure how he feels about cats just yet, Tiny is ready to meet his forever family and show them just how special he is.
“If you’re looking for a loyal, goofy and loving companion, Tiny is your guy! Come meet him today and let him steal your heart.”
For more information about Tiny 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.
Kim Foemmel
Cabinet Gallery builds cabinetry, relationships
A
lthough the obvious aim of Cabinet Gallery is to create and install cabinetry in homes and businesses, the real goal of the local company is to build relationships with clients.
“I am a relationship guy,” said David Landry, chief operating officer for the company founded by his father, Roger, 41 years ago in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. “We work to build and solidify long-term relationships with our clients and in the community.”
Still headquartered in Woonsocket, where Cabinet Gallery has its Rhode Island Design Showroom, the firm has its Massachusetts Design Showroom at 1 Lumber Street in Hopkinton.
“We opened in Hopkinton eight years ago,” said Landry. “We were welcomed into the community and began building relationships by joining the local Chamber of Commerce and networking groups.”
The Hopkinton showroom is run by lead designer Jodi Osborn, who has more than 20 years experience in residential cabinetry, design and installations. Kayla Briggs, a Blackstone Valley Tech graduate gaining experience in the industry, is the design assistant.
“They make an awesome team,” said Landry.
He noted Osborn and Briggs, like all Cabinet Gallery designers, spend time working with clients, exploring options and solutions to make sure the customers — homeowners, builders or businesses — are pleased with their designs.
“We want to make sure our clients understand what they are getting and then follow it up with stellar service,” said Landry.
Cabinet Gallery offers stock, semi-custom and custom residential cabinet lines for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas in a home. Commercial millwork and installations are custom built in their Woonsocket shop.
“No matter their budget or what they order, our clients will always get a good design,” said Landry.
The stellar service includes professional installation by Cabinet Gallery’s crew, who work with clients to make sure the project is done right.
“If something goes wrong, we take care of it right away by reordering the cabinet. Or if it needs to be installed quickly, we’ll have our shop fix it,” said Landry. “We work as a team with contractors and clients.”
The stellar service also includes a final inspection by Landry and an impressive five-year warranty.
Landry, who has worked at Cabinet Gallery since he was in high school and took over the management of the showrooms after graduating from Bryant University with a bachelor’s in business management, is known as Dave the Cabinet Guy. Not only does he conduct the post-installation inspection, he gives clients his cell number so they can contact him with any questions or concerns.
“If there is anything they are not happy with, they can call or text me. I will show up willing to do whatever makes it right,” said Landry. “This is a high-impact purchase, and we want to give clients the peace of mind that we are here for them. We know we produce
Known for its stellar customer service, good designs and quality installations and products, Cabinet Gallery has been helping residential and commercial customers create and install cabinetry for the past 41 years.
Shown are David Landry, the chief operating officer also known as the “Cabinet Guy,” and Jodi Osborn, the lead designer at the Massachusetts Design Showroom at 1 Lumber Street in Hopkinton.
good designs with good products, and we want our clients to feel the same way.”
More information about Cabinet Gallery can be found by checking out CabinetGalleryLtd. com, by visiting the Massachusetts Design Showroom Tuesdays through Saturdays, or by calling 508-4354011.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Mini Golf at the Library
Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, March 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library’s Mini Golf weekend returns. Entry fee is $5 per player, with a maximum of $20 per family.
Flamenco Boston
Sunday, March 23, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand is Flamenco Boston, with two dancers this year. Not only will the dancers demonstrate the art of flamenco, they will talk about its history and origins.
‘Rough Sleepers’
Monday, March 24, 6-8 p.m.
Dr. Jim O’Connell, the subject of Tracy Kidder’s bestselling book “Rough Sleepers,” will discuss how he created a program to care for Boston’s homeless population. This program was rescheduled from last year due to an unexpected postponement.
Town Meeting Panel Discussion
Tuesday, March 25, 6-7 p.m.
New England’s municipal government structure is unique and highly participatory, and one of the most important nights of the year is Town Meeting. However, for anyone not familiar with the structure and rules of Town Meeting, attending and participating can be downright confusing. The library will host a panel discussion featuring Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, Town Clerk Connor Degan and Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre to explain how Town Meeting is structured, how to participate and why attending is important.
IS BACK!
HopSwap is a community-wide tag sale event to reuse children’s clothing and gear. Be green and save money for a great cause!
NEWLOCATION
WE ACCEPT:
ADULT PROGRAMS
Author Talk With Salvatore Tocco
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Hopkinton’s Salvatore Tocco is the author of “The Cardinal and the Crook.”
Dungeons & Dragons
Sundays, March 2 and 30, 1-4 p.m.
Hopkinton Public Library Foundation Monthly Meeting
Monday, March 3, 7-8:30 p.m.
This meeting will take place in the Ellsworth Room.
Scrabble and Mahjong Group
Tuesday, March 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
Library Visit to Fairview Estates
Wednesday, March 5, 10 a.m.-noon
The Genealogist is In
Wednesday, March 5, 2-3:30 p.m.
Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 5, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Seeing History with Martha Chiarchiaro
Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2-3 p.m.
This program will take place in the lower-level classroom.
Medicare Supplement Plans/Medicare Advantage Plans
Thursday, March 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This program, which helps determine the best coverage for individuals, will take place in the Betty Strong Room.
ELL Conversation Group: Conversation and Culture
Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
This program is co-sponsored with the Friends of Hopkinton Library
ELL Group: Beginning Learners
Fridays, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10-11 a.m.
This program is co-sponsored with the Friends of Hopkinton Library
Board of Library Trustees Monthly Meeting
Monday, March 10, 7-8 p.m.
Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction
Tuesday, March 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
This program, presented by the Health Department, will take place in the Ellsworth Room.
Saturday, March 16th
Saturday, March 15th
9am-12pm
Hopkinton MIDDLE School
DROP OFF DONATIONS:
• children’s clothing (NB to size 14)
• maternity clothing
• baby gear
• shoes
• costumes
• toys, games
• sports equipment
• trikes and bikes
• books, DVDs, CDs
• other gently-used children’s items
SHOP THE SALE:
Hopkinton MIDDLE School
The Power to Reset and How to Change What’s Not Working
Wednesday, March 13, 2-3:30 p.m.
Individuals can register for this virtual program on the library’s online calendar in order to receive the link to participate.
Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle
Saturday, March 16th
Saturday, March 15th
Cash and checks accepted.
Friday, March 15th
Friday, March 14th
3:00pm-8:00pm Items must be clean, in good or excellent condition, all parts securely attached. Label bags/boxes with sizes and gender.
All proceeds fund HPTO and HopMoms selected charities.
Learn more: www.facebook.com/hopswap Questions? Please email: HopSwapMA@gmail.com
Thursday, March 13, 6-7:30 p.m.
Individuals can register for this program on the library’s online calendar in order to receive the link to participate.
Yoga Class
Tuesday, March 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This program will take place in the Betty Strong Room.
Quarterly Library Volunteer Interest Group
Wednesday, March 19, 4-5 p.m.
Anyone wishing to volunteer at the library must attend one of these sessions.
How Has Women’s Liberation Transformed America?
Thursday, March 20, 2-3 p.m.
Individuals can register for this virtual program on the library’s online calendar in order to receive the link to participate.
Library Corner | 13
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Planning for Medicare
Thursday, March 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This program will take place in the Betty Strong Room.
Dreams We Chase
Wednesday, March 26, 7-8:30 p.m.
Individuals can register for this virtual program on the library’s online calendar in order to receive the link to participate.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Virtual Fortnite Tournament with One Up Games
Thursday, Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, March 20, 6-8 p.m.
Young Adult Crafternoons
Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 3-5 p.m.
YA RPG Night
Wednesday, March 5 and 19, 6-7:45 p.m.
YA Animanga Club
Wednesday, March 12 and 26, 6-7:45 p.m.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Drop-in Family Activities
Saturday, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kids Creative Writing Club
Mondays, March 3, 17 and 31, 4:15-5 p.m.
Open Chess Play
Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 5:30-7 p.m.
Sensory Friendly Baby/Toddler Storytime (Ages 0-3)
Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, 10-10:45 a.m.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays, March 4, 18 and 25, 11-11:30 a.m.
Lego & Duplo Club
Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, 4-4:45 p.m.
Baby/Toddler Storytime (Ages 0-3)
Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 10-10:45 a.m.
Alphabits (Ages 3-6)
Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 11-11:45 a.m.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Wednesdays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 7-7:45 p.m.
Lego & Pokemon Club
Thursdays, March 6 and 13, 4-4:45 p.m.
Parent/Child Playgroup
Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10-11 a.m. This program is co-sponsored with the Metrowest YMCA.
Babytime (Ages 0-18 months)
Friday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9:15-10 a.m.
Little Explorers (Ages 2-5)
Friday, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Grade 3-5 Book Club
Mondays, March 10 and 24, 4:15-5 p.m.
Monthly Music & Movement (Ages 0-5)
Wednesday, March 26, 10:30-11:15 a.m. This program is sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.
Trail Volunteer Day March 1
The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. The next workday is March 1 at the Hughes Farm Trail property (192 Hayden Rowe Street). Work will include cutting a footpath within the path of the cattle run. For details, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
Iftar Night at HHS March 5
The Muslim Student Association at Hopkinton High School will host the second annual Iftar Night on Wednesday, March 5, at 4 p.m. at the HHS cafeteria. This event is open to the public. For more information, email ysilva@hillers.org.
Trails Club Monthly Meeting March 12
The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
HopSwap at HMS March 15
HopSwap, an annual community-wide tag sale event to reuse children’s clothing and items, will be held Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Hopkinton Middle School cafeteria and gym. Donated items will be accepted on Friday, March 14, from 3-8 p.m. at HMS. Proceeds benefit the HPTO and Hopkinton Moms Group. For more information, visit the HopSwap Facebook page.
Dementia Friends Information Session March 22
Residents of all towns are invited to become a Dementia Friend by attending a Dementia Friends Information Session at the Hopkinton Public Library on Saturday, March 22, at 11 a.m. Attendees will learn the five key dementia messages, the different types of dementia and their impact, what it’s like to live with dementia, how to interact and communicate with people living with dementia, and small gestures that make a difference. For reservations, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508497-9730. For more information, email sdocknevich@gmail.com.
Baypath Fur Ball Fundraiser March 28
Baypath Humane Society’s 13th annual Fur Ball Gala will be held Friday, March 28, from 6:30-11 p.m. at the Verve Hotel in Natick. This year’s event has a theme of Northern Lights. The event will include a number of live and silent auction items. Tickets are $150 and include dinner, entertainment and dancing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit baypathhumane.org.
Family Fling at Town Common March 29
Team Hoyt Memorial Road Race May 24
The Team Hoyt Memorial Road Race will take place Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m., starting and finishing at Marathon School. The event includes a 5-mile race, 2-mile walk and kids fun run. The event also is looking for volunteers. Proceeds benefit the Hoyt Foundation. For more information, visit TeamHoyt.com.
Timlin Event at Hopkinton High School June 14
Registration is open for the 22nd annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, which will be held at Hopkinton High School on Saturday, June 14. The 5K road race and family fun day is a fundraiser for The Angel Fund for ALS Research. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the family fun day activities with live music, food, games, raffles, a silent auction and other activities — including a kids color run — until noon. There also is a virtual option. For more information or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.
MBCC Against the Tide at Hopkinton State Park June 14
The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host its annual Against the Tide event on Saturday, June 14, at Hopkinton State Park. The event features multiple competitions and recreational activities, including a half-mile or 1-mile swim, a 5K or 10K run and a 3-mile fitness walk. Proceeds benefit MBCC’s work toward breast cancer prevention, locally and nationally. For more information and to register, visit mbcc.org/swim.
Conservation Commission chastises homeowner for removing 74 trees
which began about 18 months ago.
management plan. This property abuts the proposed Charleswood Elementary School, which will be located at 147 Hayden Rowe Street.
Consultants explained that a country drainage system was the best and most cost-effective solution for the town. Commission co-vice chair Matthew Moyen agreed after hearing the presentation on drainage options.
“It clarifies the fact that a closed drainage network just isn’t practical out here,” he said, noting that catch basins would have to be installed every 50 feet in that case.
Member Ed Harrow, who voted against the approval, raised the issue of knotweed on this property.
Event
@ 8 p.m.
The Petty Larceny Band is an awardwinning group of musicians runnin’ down their dream to bring you all your favorite Tom Petty songs… and more! For more than a decade, the Petty Larceny Band has been bringing the music of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers to life throughout New England. Winners of three consecutive Worcester Music Awards as “Best Tribute Band,” and with our lead singer recently named “Best Male Vocalist.”
SheGrooves | March 16 @ 3 p.m.
Equal parts performance and presentation, this family-friendly public event will explore how women historically have used their voices for positive change within the world. SheGrooves repertoire includes original tunes and unique covers of Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Aretha Franklin, and Dianne Reeves. We aim to inspire and empower communities to celebrate, elevate, and respect the female voice. This program is partly funded by the Hopkinton, Holliston and Medway Cultural Councils, local agencies that the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, supports.
March 20 @ 6 p.m.
Artful Connections is a social justicelensed open mic-style event where artists offer music, poetry, readings, and spoken word that is relevant to the monthly theme. Each evening features a host who kicks off with a presentation, performance, and discussion relating to that evening’s theme and the host’s work. Then, guests can add their words, music, and art to the conversation. This series is a collaboration between the Hopkinton Freedom Team and HCA with support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Hopkinton Cultural Council.
Radio Musikola | March 29 @ 8 p.m.
Radio Musikola is a dynamic Bostonbased band celebrated for their exceptional ability to revive the iconic sounds of the 80s. Founded by Mark “Shecky” Yurkovic and Jeff St. Pierre, the group features an incredibly talented lineup of musicians and artists. This eight-member ensemble masterfully recreates beloved hits with stunning precision, offering a diverse range of genres through both female and male vocals. Many of their performances showcase songs you won’t hear from the original artists anymore.
“To do that and to ignore what’s next door just because it’s not town property is how we got to the point we are now in Hopkinton … knotweed all over the place,” he said.
Claire Hoogeboom, a wetlands scientist at LEC Environmental Consultants, said she was open to having an invasive species management plan as a condition for the project’s approval. But she stressed that it expands the limit of work for the project onto private property “that wasn’t necessarily a part of the original application.”
Chris Eberly, the project manager from Vertex for the Charleswood Elementary School, agreed, saying, “It’s part of a larger issue within town.”
He added that the expansion of the roadway is for the school’s benefit.
Stone & Garden hearing continued
After a lengthy series of continuation requests over the past year, the commission reviewed a proposal by Hopkinton Stone & Garden to build a two-story medical office building at 28 Lumber Street. This lot, which is vacant, abuts New View, Inc., a plant nursery at 32 Lumber Street. The hearing was continued to Feb. 25 to allow commission members time to review the previous meetings on the proposal,
Scott Goddard of Goddard Consulting represented the applicant. He explained that “it’s been a very active 18 months” because there had been “multiple iterations of peer reviews.”
He noted that the front of the property had been a “gravel borrow area” in the 1970s. Part of this area had cut into the groundwater table, creating an isolated vegetative wetland. It is barren and does not contain any wildlife habitat features.
The width of the parking area was reduced, Goddard said, in order to reduce the environmental impact. Infiltration systems were moved to both sides of the building.
The Friends of Hopkinton and the Hopkinton Lions present the annual Family Fling, a community day at the Town Common, on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, visit the Friends of Hopkinton Facebook page.
This iteration proposes “about half” of the environmental impacts as previous plans. The original proposal would have displaced 13,000 cubic feet of floodplain area; the current amount is about half that size. More wetland replication area was added to the project.
Harrow called the revised plan “a vast improvement.”
Reps from The Trails fail to appear
Representatives from The Trails did not appear at the meeting. They were going to ask the commission to amend its Jan. 7 decision to release three lots on Waterville Lane for development. A cease-and-desist order had been in place because of previous stormwater management violations.
Owner Vin Gately had appeared at the Planning Board meeting the previous evening to contest the claim by the town’s Department of Public Works that stormwater runoff from The Trails caused damage to Wilson Street. The Planning Board requested that the town’s engineering consultant get a dollar amount for the road damage to present at its next meeting on Feb. 24. Gately contended that the road was in poor condition before construction and said the town was trying to make him pay for road improvements rather than damage repair.
Conservation Commission | from page 4
Petty Larceny: Tom Petty Tribute Band March 1
Artful Connections with host Deana Tavares |
Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ScHoolS Students hope to spread awareness about anemia
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Agroup of students at Hopkinton High School is hoping to spread awareness about the dangers of anemia, particularly among youth and teenage girls.
Calling themselves CARE (Campaign for Anemia Research and Education), the four juniors are working through the HHS HOSA organization for future health professionals to educate their peers and provide resources to those who may be affected by the condition.
Although there are different types of anemia, CARE is focusing on iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when a person’s blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells.
“Without sufficient iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells (hemoglobin) that enables them to carry oxygen,” according to CARE.
Resulting symptoms can include tiredness, weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, headaches, paleness or yellowish skin, cold hands and feet, and shortness of breath. Severe symptoms include irregular heartbeat and chest pain.
Aishwarya Vijay noted that CARE has conducted presentations at Hopkinton Middle School and is collaborating with the Hopkinton Public Library about possibly hosting a youth workshop.
Jointly with the Gender Equity Club at HHS, CARE hosted presentations Feb. 6 and Feb. 11 and will have an online webinar for interested individuals who cannot attend live events.
“We also participated in an interview on our school’s local television show, where we educated the community about the dangers of anemia,” Vijay said.
Devanshi Agrawal said the group chose anemia as a topic of study because it is a widespread condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
“Many individuals are unaware of the symptoms or how manageable it can be with proper awareness,” Agrawal said. “Our goal is to educate people about anemia’s impact, prevention strategies and treatment options.”
The students have been using social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube), school newsletters and word of mouth through clubs like HOSA and Project Just Because to get the word out, noted Rithikaa Vigneshwaran.
Although their audience to date has been primarily high school age and younger students, she said they hope to include families and community members at larger gatherings.
In addition, part of the students’ efforts involve fundraising, with bake sales after school held on Feb. 6 and Feb. 13 in the high school atrium.
CARE also set up a GoFundMe to benefit Boston Children’s Hospital, which has researchers and medical staff working to aid those with anemia disorders.
Other types of anemia are aplastic, hemolytic, sickle cell and thalassemia, and it can result from chronic conditions like kidney disease or cancer.
Although Vijay is planning to pursue a law degree, Sofia Dhayal said she is considering various medical fields as a career, including dentistry and surgery. Agrawal aspires to become a physician assistant, while Vigneshwaran also is exploring medical-related professions.
More information about the project can be found at carefhp.wixsite.com/anemia/portfolio.
Local collegians shine
Fairfield University announced its dean’s list recipients for the fall semester, and it includes Hopkinton residents Luke Beaudet, Tyler Bois, Emma Canestrari, Derek Crowe, Nicholas Dieter, Frank Incutto, Gregory Kovacs, Michael Liptak, Robert Liptak, Luke Scanlon and Joseph Scardino. …
SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK
Mia Carboni earned a spot on the dean’s list at the College of William & Mary. …
Leah O’Rourke and Christian Pereira were named to the dean’s list at Salve Regina University. …
Maeve Watson was named to the Champlain College trustees’ list. …
At the University of Tampa, Kelsey Breslin, a senior majoring in musical theatre, and Allison Rossillo, a senior majoring in advertising and public relations, were named to the dean’s list. …
Gabriel Lee earned a spot on the student honors list at the Community College of Vermont. …
Clark University’s dean’s list includes Mia Kelley-Lanser (first honors), Sean Cahill (first honors) and Afnaan Syed (second honors). …
Charles Petruney, majoring in business administration with a management concentration, was named to the dean’s list at Saint Anselm College. …
Ben Martin was named to the dean’s list and president’s list at the University of Hartford. … Kamala Chuss was named to the dean’s list in her final semester at the University of Connecticut. She graduated in December with a Bachelor of Science in marine sciences as an honors scholar. … Allison Rossillo graduated from University of Tampa in December, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations.
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.
Leaders of Hopkinton High School’s CARE group are (from left) Devanshi Agrawal, Aishwarya Vijay, Sofia Dhayal and Rithikaa Vigneshwaran.
ScHoolS
School Committee tasked with reducing FY 26 budget by $415K
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
The conversation will continue at the Feb. 27 School Committee meeting about how to reduce the fiscal year 2026 school budget by $415,000 as requested by the town manager’s directive.
The School Committee previously approved a budget of $67,190,630, and this change would take the total to $66,775,630, a 5.75% increase over FY 25.
Town Manager Elaine Lazarus noted in the directive that other departments had reduced their budgets by $1 million but the town still was $1,151,862 away from a balanced budget.
Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said at the Feb. 13 School Committee meeting that she had met with building principals for several hours to come up with a plan to cut $415,000.
She showed a proposal with a cut of $105,000 for an ESOL (English for
speakers of other languages) teacher, for a person who is resigning and would not be replaced.
Also, funding for a district paraprofessional would be moved to a grant at $125,000, and a reading tutor request at Hopkins School would be reduced from full-time to 0.75 FTE (fulltime equivalent) for a savings of $10,000.
Most of the School Committee discussion focused on the elimination of five FTE paraprofessional A positions: three at the high school, one at Hopkins School and one at Elmwood School. That reduction would save $150,000.
The superintendent said a paraprofessional A helps in general education classrooms in a variety of ways such as covering lunch duty at the elementary level, supervising in the high school library, helping students with math problems or accompanying a student to another area of the building.
Vice chair Jamie Wronka said, “I don’t love that,” regarding the potential cut to paraprofessionals. “They support students who need a little help.”
She asked whether a proposed assistant principal for the Elmwood School could be postponed instead.
Member Susan Stephenson asked about a proposed French teacher position at the high school and whether that could be made part-time.
Carol Cavanaugh explained that the principals had discussed these possibilities and others before determining the plan she presented would work better.
Member Chris Masters asked whether the paraprofessionals might move into openings in other buildings and if there was the possibility of retirements or resignations, getting the situation “sorted out on its own.”
Susan Rothermich, the assistant superintendent for finance and operations, responded that there usually is a turnover of paraprofessionals, and losing five through departures could happen.
“The paraprofessionals are critical in so many ways,” Stephenson said. She added that if she had to vote the revised budget that evening, she would not approve it.
Chair Nancy Cavanaugh said the committee could revote the budget at the next meeting once the information could “sink in” and there was more information about town insurance costs and other clarity.
She pointed out that the town has the ability not to fund the school budget if it is above what was requested.
Wronka said she wanted to hear how the paraprofessionals currently are used at the buildings and how those roles would be filled without them.
“I want more context on why these things were decided,” she said.
To provide that, the relevant building principals could speak at the next meeting, Carol Cavanaugh said.
Swap to capital request recommended
Also related to the budget, Rothermich said a further issue is that the salary reserve for negotiations is out of balance, so a shift of capital requests was suggested.
She said a $200,000 request on the warrant to replace entry doors at the middle school would be put off until FY 27. That
amount would be “swapped out” with a request for textbook licenses that the district cannot go without, Rothermich said.
Preschool tuition increases approved
Earlier in the meeting, the School Committee heard from Abigail Hanscom, the director of student services, about tuition costs at the Marathon preschool. She showed a comparison with other districts, noting that there are a limited number of slots available for non-special education students. The cost has not been increased for nine years, Hanscom added, despite inflation since the 2015-16 school year.
Rothermich said raising the fees would put Hopkinton in the middle or upper one-third of what the comparison communities are charging.
Ultimately, the School Committee voted to increase the annual tuition as follows: the 3-year-old morning program increases from $3,600 to $4,000, the 4-year-old partial day program goes from $4,500 to $5,000, and the 4-year-old “full day” (four days, one half-day) program increases from $7,800 to $8,800.
The increase would generate $25,000, which would contribute to offsetting the changes to the budget, the superintendent noted.
In other business, Hopkinton High School Principal Evan Bishop spoke about new course offerings. They are: digital citizenship and media literacy, embedded programming, sport in American history, and the literature of leadership.
Bishop said even though MCAS results no longer determine whether a student will graduate, the high school still will offer MCAS-related remediation in its program of studies.
Disproportionality status update given
Hanscom reviewed that in the 202324 school year, the district was informed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that it had become “disproportionate” for identifying more white students with specific learning disability than the percentage in the community population would indicate as appropriate.
Hanscom said the district did a root cause analysis and submitted the findings, which were accepted in the summer of 2024. Since September, the district has been implementing a response plan with numerous actions to address the concerns.
She noted that in January, the district was notified that for the 2025-26 year, it will become disproportionate for a second group of students. The finding is placement of Asian students in substantially separate settings.
Hanscom pointed out that more than 10 countries are categorized as Asian for reporting purposes. For settings to be considered “substantially separate,” she said, students receive special education services outside of the general education classroom more than 60% of the time.
She said the district would receive training this spring with DESE to better understand the determination. Staff also will analyze the root cause and take steps to respond once again.
Estimators have Charleswood School project under budget
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
According to two estimators, the Charleswood School project is under budget at the 90% construction document phase by $8.7 million, averaging $116.2 million. That estimate includes building construction and roadway costs.
bid package.
— ESBC chair Jon Graziano
The Elementary School Building Committee on Feb. 11 heard that update, with Vertex project manager Chris Eberly noting that with an additional $1 million each factored in for escalation and design contingency, planners are looking at a $118 million total.
He attributed the lower estimates to “hitting the market at a good time,” adding there appears to be “a lot of appetite for work” in 2025.
Eberly pointed out the figure is an “estimate” and not a bid, and it was derived by averaging data from Fogerty and PM+C.
“That’s great news from a project perspective and a town perspective,” said Jon Graziano, chair of the ESBC. He said the committee has maintained a focus on “spending money in places where it delivers value back to the town.”
Graziano said just because there is the possibility of the budget being $8.7 million below what was expected does not mean the committee is going to look for things to spend that amount on and “take on additional debt.”
Committee revisits sidewalk, curbing materials
In a related matter, Eberly presented “items to revisit” putting back into the bid documents, expected to be issued on March 20. Bids from general contractors are due by May 5 and should be awarded on May 22, he said.
The items he outlined were: using concrete instead of stone dust for the sidewalk connection to Marathon School at a cost of $3,834; having granite curbing instead of concrete at the roadways, estimated to cost $321,641; and facilities maintenance equipment at $80,000.
The concrete sidewalk was recommended as “a more durable, safer surface,” while the granite curbing would enhance its life span significantly, Eberly said.
Director of Buildings and Grounds Tim Persson spoke in favor of getting the heavy equipment (plow, snowblower attachment) now as part of the bid package rather than revisiting it at the end.
Following the meeting, Graziano clarified in an email that although committee members agreed with the
recommendations “by consensus,” no formal vote was taken.
“As the next step is to receive bids from construction companies, this was a decision about items to add to the bid package,” Graziano noted.
He said the committee would formally vote these features as part of the overall construction bid when it selects a contractor.
Graziano said if these features are more expensive than expected, the committee may remove them from the voted final bid.
Soil removal another issue
At the meeting, Eberly presented other items to consider in the future.
One would be obtaining a licensed site professional (LSP) to classify and dispose of existing soil on site. (This service was done for the Hopkins addition/renovation project.)
Eberly said there are about 9,000 cubic yards of soil (2,000 topsoil and the rest regular soils) to be excavated that will need to be moved off-site.
ESBC member Mike Shepard said that the Marathon School project had a lot of soil that “cost a lot to get rid of,” and, “It makes sense to look at this now.”
Another suggestion was adding sitework irrigation well water connection points to provide “for activities or establishing plantings.”
More information on these topics will be forthcoming.
In other business, it was noted that six residents still had not responded to several outreach attempts to discuss mitigations. There are `for sale’ signs at two homes, while one property “has changed hands,” according to Eberly.
He recommended moving forward, saying planners had met the “near-term burden” of trying to reach out to neighbors to incorporate their input into drawings.
“Jon [Graziano] has been vocal about wanting to do right by them,” Eberly added, but they cannot hold up the bid process or road construction for those who do not respond.
The chair said the other neighbors had “engaged and worked with us to make sure they have mitigations because of the building and road.”
If people reply later, their concerns will be considered then, according to Shepard.
MSBA reimbursement to arrive
Eberly added that the Select Board would address the town funding agreement for the new school at its meeting on Feb. 18. He explained it begins the process for restarting reimbursement from
the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The result will be the town getting reimbursement that dates back to December of 2023, “a good place for the town to be.”
“The town should be getting a sizable check once it passes through the audit process of the MSBA,” Eberly said.
SportS
Freshman-heavy Hillers boys hockey earns state tourney bid
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
The Hopkinton High School boys hockey team has taken a practiceby-practice, game-bygame approach this season after fielding a roster with eight freshmen who see significant ice time. But the youth has not slowed the Hillers, who earned a spot in the state tournament with an eye toward making some noise once they get there.
“We have been in a lot of close games, and we knew coming in that it was going to take an investment this year by the players,” coach Scott Hayes said. “The big question was: How quickly could we mature? And how quickly could the team play like they had been doing it for a few years?”
The Hillers made a significant addition near the end of the regular season by getting junior captain James Hayward back from injury. The veteran came out swinging in a Saturday night showdown against Dedham, netting a hat trick in an 8-6 Hopkinton win.
Freshman Matt Pedroli is one of the top newcomers on the roster, and Hayes praised his ability to stand out on both ends of the ice.
“He is good offensively, and he also plays a strong 200-foot game,” Hayes said. “We are excited about him.”
Another exciting freshman for the Hillers is forward Parker Rivera, who Hayes said has played well both in five-on-five situations and as part of the Hopkinton penalty kill. His classmate, Will Iantosca, is among Hopkinton’s top scorers.
“He certainly came in as a freshman like he has been playing here for a couple of years,” Hayes said.
Hayes also was quick to praise the leadership
of co-captain Jack Resnick, who has been strong at showing his teammates the way on and off the ice. He is part of a camaraderie that Hayes said was quick to form.
“It’s not just in the locker room, but also in the town,” the coach said. “A lot of the kids have played together, and they know each other. There seems to be a bond even before they come into our room.”
The talent and teamwork have the Hillers feeling good about where they are with the tournament on deck.
“It sounds cliche, but it comes down to the fact that anybody can win any game,” Hayes said. “It’s about getting your team confident enough to believe that every night.”
The Hillers figured to go into the postseason seeded somewhere in the double digits, but Hayes said he will make sure that his team is ready to go for any opponents.
“We are excited for the tournament,” Hayes said, “and the chance to make a little bit of noise.”
Hopkinton High School track and field standout
Sean Finnegan won the 2-mile race at the state Division 2 meet on Feb. 13 at the Reggie Lewis Track in Boston.
Finnegan won in a time of 9 minutes, 39.87 seconds, almost 4 seconds ahead of the next runner.
Also for the HHS boys, Harry Millar took second in the 55-meter hurdles, Logan Sullivan was second in the high jump, and the 4x200 relay team took eighth.
On the girls side, Josie Hopkins finished third in the 55 hurdles, Emily Miller was third in the high jump, Elyse Srodawa captured fourth in the 2-mile, Kaelyn Faber took fifth in the shot put, and the 4x800 relay team took seventh.
HHS wrestlers, skiers advance
The HHS wrestling team finished sixth at the Division 2 Central sectional meet on Feb. 15.
Five Hillers advanced to the Division 2 state championship on Feb. 22-23: Aaron Butkus (third at the sectional meet), Edwin Xiao (fourth), Finn
Durocher (fourth), Patrick Murphy (fourth) and Jacob Desilets (fourth). Also faring well at the sectional meet were Kyle Tedstone (fifth), Stephen Moody (sixth) and Caleb Newman (sixth). … In alpine skiing, Lucie Mato, Lila Mato, Barry O’Brien and Patrick Meehan qualified for the state meet on Feb. 25 at Berkshire East.
Korbey 3v3 tourney March 23
The annual Mary Korbey 3v3 basketball tournament is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Hopkinton High School and Hopkinton Middle School.
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 adults/seniors. For more information, visit the Hopkinton Basketball Association website at hopkintonbasketball.org.
Hopkinton High School junior Carter Moore carries the puck up the ice during a recent game.
In his first game back from a broken wrist on Feb. 8, Hayward recorded three goals and an assist to fuel an 8-6 victory over Dedham, giving him seven points in six games this season. “James is an instrumental leader for the boys Hiller hockey program,” coach Scott Hayes stated. “We have missed him on the ice, but while James recovered, he never left our bench or sides. His return to play makes our team whole again and drives everyone on our roster.”
Coach Ron Chin calls the young star a “difference maker to our program.”
“Kelsey has a tremendous offensive skill set in her stickhandling, shooting and skating,” Chin gushed. “She sees the game very well and has come to understand our systems and game flow.” Through 17 games, MacPherson led the team with 27 goals and 32 points. “In addition to her game contributions, Kelsey has been a great teammate and has fit right in with the team in her first year,” Chin added.
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HHS swim teams complete fun winter season
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
H
opkinton High School’s swimming teams were a bit young this season, with more than a dozen freshmen on the rosters. But coach Blake Briner said it didn’t seem to matter whether an athlete was a veteran or a rookie, a top point scorer or someone still learning the sport. Everyone got along and enjoyed their experience.
“This year, it felt like there was a place for everyone on the team,” Briner said. “Everyone had a friend group and people they talked to. There were seniors hanging out with freshmen and freshmen hanging out with everyone.”
The chemistry has Briner thinking that most of the swimmers who are eligible to return next winter will do just that.
“I don’t see a lot of kids leaving,” he said. “They are definitely a rowdy bunch. There were a lot of loud bus rides, and they are a close team.”
The Hillers capped off their season by sending representatives to both the boys and girls Division 1 state meet. On the girls side, Anna Burke peaked at the right time in the 100-yard backstroke. After taking two seconds off of her time at districts, she lowered her personal best by nearly another two seconds at the state meet and leapfrogged several competitors for a sixth-place finish.
“That’s my goal for everyone: have them peak at the end of the season,”
Briner said, adding that Burke was able to put together her backstroke performance quickly after anchoring Hopkinton’s 200-yard freestyle relay team in the event right before.
“It’s a quick turnaround, but she has gotten a lot better with her technique and consistency,” Briner said. “And who doesn’t love a big race?”
Burke joined the trio of Maeve Hanscom, Oneli Weeraratne, and Padmashree Malladi in the relay event and helped the team place 15th overall, giving Hopkinton 17 total points for the meet.
“They all did great,” Briner said. “They laid down their best time in the relay.”
The boys’ lone representative at the state level this season was Owen Picard, who qualified in both the 50and 100-yard freestyle races. It was a great bounce-back performance for Picard, who missed last season with a leg injury.
“He was excited to come back and swim and get back in the pool,” Briner said. “He is one of those swimmers who loves racing people.”
But the season will be remembered as much for the camaraderie as for the championship performances. From hanging out together outside of the pool to numerous inside jokes, Briner said his group genuinely liked being around one another this winter.
“They had a lot of fun this year,” he said.
Kelsey MacPherson Girls hockey Eighth grade
PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
James Hayward Boys hockey
PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE
HHS Athlete Spotlight Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.
Laura Wauters REALTOR®
obituarieS
Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.
Gale Scott
Gale Rosalie Scott, 83, of Hopkinton passed away Feb. 7. Born in Middleborough, she was the daughter of the late Louise (Desrosiers) and John Starr. She was the loving wife of Marc Kutzer of Hopkinton, with whom she shared 50 wonderful years. Gale moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University, graduating in 1964 with a degree in psychology. She dedicated 38 years of her professional life in compassionate service to others working for the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. She began as a social worker in the Hancock Street office in Dorchester
and advanced throughout her career, with highlights serving as the director of the Worcester and Attleboro offices. She retired in 2008. Over the decades, Gale and Marc took many road trips throughout the East Coast and the South, sightseeing and visiting friends and relatives. She enjoyed spending time with her family on Cape Cod and at Foxwoods, where she loved playing the slots. Gale made many beautiful memories spoiling her grandchildren, taking them to the Cape Codder Resort and the zoo, watching them play sports and helping them keep up with the latest gadgets and fashion. She hosted memorable Fourth of July BBQs and pool parties, always striving to bring her loved ones together for laughter and celebration. She also had a love for cats and collecting antiques.
In addition to her husband, Gale is survived by two children, Shawn Christian Scott (wife Donna and grandson AJ) of Boston, and Sharon Scott Chandler (husband Dean) of Natick. She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Dean Jr., Benjamin and Sydni; her sister-in-law and brotherin-law, Roberta and Bruce Klein of Marlborough; her former spouse, Christian Scott of Boston, and a host of other family and friends. She is predeceased by her siblings, John Starr Jr. and Robin Starr-Mitchell.
A funeral service was held Feb. 16 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: michaeljfox.org.
Donald Corriveau
With great sorrow we say goodbye to Donald Corriveau, a man who touched countless lives with his love, laughter and endless creativity. On Feb. 4, at age 80, his journey came to an end as he passed on to the next world, surrounded by the family he cherished.
Don had many titles in his life — devoted husband, proud father, adoring grandfather, honorable veteran, dependable brother and loyal friend. To those who knew him, he was a deep pool of warmth and generosity. To those who didn’t know him, he could be guarded, but the ice quickly melted with a well-timed joke or a new opportunity to offer help.
He was born in Holyoke in 1944, and his early years would sew in him a commitment to serving others — a belief system that would greatly form him as a person. In 1964, he answered his country’s call and entered the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War. This service helped instill a deep sense of duty and integrity throughout his life. And it would also bring the postwar challenges he carried to his final breath.
After his military tour, he brought his compassion for service to the field of elder care. As an administrator of nursing homes, Don touched countless people’s lives through his quiet and empathetic leadership. He ensured his clients and their families were able to live each day with the dignity, care, and comfort they deserved.
In the Second Act of his career, Don fulfilled a lifelong passion for photography by founding his own creative photography studio. He became well known for his portraiture and stylized photo skills, and would go on to win many awards for his work. But he made a real name for himself as a dynamic and highly sought-after wedding photographer. He had a unique gift for capturing love in its purest form and preserving it in moments of time that leapt off the page.
Nicole Corriveau. He also welcomed a stepdaughter into his life, Paulina Palmer and husband Jim. His gift of love is completed through his five beautiful grandchildren, who adored him: Amelie, Teagan, Leo, Carter and Madeleine; as well as two stepgrandchildren, Rene and Tyler. He also is survived by his younger brother, Wayne Corriveau, who remained his lifelong friend and confidant.
Don left us with a full embrace of loving memories and remarkable achievements. But his true legacy lives on in the people he touched. His kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on others. And he blessed all those he loved with a life of unwavering devotion and unconditional acceptance, which will be felt for generations.
A private celebration of Don’s life was held Feb. 7, when friends and family gathered to share their favorite memories of him. He will be interred at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida, with full military honors at a later date.
Though Don is no longer with us, his love remains in all of our hearts. We will miss him dearly, but we will honor his memory by living with the same kindness and service to others that he selflessly shared with the world. Arrangements have been entrusted with Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society in Spanish Springs, Florida. Sentiments are encouraged at baldwincremation.com.
Kathleen Doran
Kathleen Marie Doran passed away peacefully on Feb. 11. She will lovingly be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. She was the heart of her family, always giving unconditional love and encouragement.
As a nursing home administrator, Don helped those living through the last stage of their life. As a wedding photographer, he gave hope to those just starting their life’s journey. While not lost on Don, we now see that his commitment to service had truly come full circle.
Outside of his career, Don found his greatest joy in his family. He leaves behind the true love of his life, his wife, Bozena Corriveau. He also leaves three wonderful children: son Jeff Corriveau and wife Karen, daughter Michelle Gilson and husband Gregory of Hopkinton, and daughter
Kathy was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 1, 1933. She was the oldest child to Lawrence O’Clery and Helen (Kenney) O’Clery. She had two brothers, Lawrence and Robert, both deceased. She grew up in many towns along the East Coast, eventually settling in Washington, D.C., where she graduated from Notre Dame Academy. In 1954, Kathy graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Portland, Maine, and became a registered nurse. After graduation, she returned to the Washington area. While working at the Walter Reed Medical Center, she met Bob, the love of her life and husband of 59 years. After their 1956 wedding at St. Anthony’s Church, the young couple relocated to Massachusetts, where they eventually spent over 50 years in Wayland raising their children. Kathy and Bob were longtime members of St. Ann’s Church in Wayland. Kathy returned to nursing when her children approached college
obituarieS
age, working as a charge nurse for 10 years at Weston Manor Nursing Home.
Kathy loved learning about her family’s history and continued her research on a oncein-a-lifetime trip with her husband to Ireland, where she experienced her ancestors’ homeland firsthand. Kathy was a dear friend to many with an easy, helpful manner and a kind, generous smile. She cherished her relationship with her sister-in-law, Linda Doran, “the sister she never had,” who shared in creating many years of joyous family celebrations and holiday memories. Kathy lived her last eight years at Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton in close proximity to her daughter, Judy.
Kathy is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Robert, and daughter Cynthia Whitney. She is survived by her children, Judith Cunningham and husband Brian of Hopkinton, Robert Doran and wife Janeane of Texas, and Lorraine Hamner and husband Alan of central New York; by her nine grandchildren, Daniel Cunningham, Sean Cunningham, Casandra Whitney (Joe) Prygocki, Jenna Doran, Caroline Doran, Mitchell Doran, Alexander Doran, Kylund (Katherine) Arnold and Connor Arnold; three great-grandchildren, Dylan Prygocki, Colton Prygocki and Cayla Prygocki; and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering was held Feb. 21 at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Good Shepherd Parish at St. Ann’s Church and interment at Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Kathy’s memory may be sent to Faith and Family Hospice, 420 Lakeside Avenue, Suite 203, Marlborough, MA 01752, or the Alzheimer’s Association of MA/ NH, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 (alz.org).
Donna Tanis
Donna L. Tanis, 87, of Hopkinton and formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died peacefully on Jan. 17 after a long period of declining health. Born June 6, 1937, she was the daughter of Helen (Branch) and Donald A. Simmons.
Some of Donna’s happiest memories were of growing up in Parchment, Michigan, with her brother and cousins. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and earned a B.S. in pharmacy from Ferris State University in 1959. For three decades, Donna worked as a pharmacist in hospitals and retail pharmacies in Michigan.
From her father, Donna inherited a lifelong affinity for the outdoors. With her former husband, Ronald Tanis, she raised three children at Indian Lake in Vicksburg, Michigan, and enjoyed many summers swimming, sailing and canoeing there. Family camping trips to national parks in the United States and Canada were annual highlights.
A 4-H leader in gardening, Donna earned a master gardener certification from the Michigan State Extension. She transformed her yards in Michigan and Massachusetts into organic wonderlands of flowers, vegetables and pollinators. For Donna, spring began when she could start trays of seeds in her greenhouse.
In retirement, Donna and her partner, Thomas Miller, moved to Sandwich and then to Plymouth. Together, they participated in Senior AmeriCorps, working on environmental projects on Cape Cod. Donna and Tom travelled widely in Europe, Asia and Latin America. They cycled though the Czech Republic and took their boat down the Intracoastal Waterway from Massachusetts to Key West, Florida.
Above all, Donna relished time with her family.
Interested in every detail of the lives of her children and grandchildren, she also shared her love of books, sports and the ocean with them. Nothing made her happier than spending an afternoon with the kids on a beach.
Donna is predeceased by her parents; her muchloved son, Ned Tanis; her brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Judy Simmons; and Tom Miller. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Tanis-Greff of Hopkinton; her son, Paul Tanis of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and her grandchildren, Abigail, Margaret and Benjamin Greff, and Sophie Nerine. She also leaves behind several nephews and grandnephews.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held in Kalamazoo in early summer. Memorial donations may be made to the International Essential Tremor Foundation (essentialtremor.org).
David Cabral
Mr. David S. Cabral, 63, died unexpectedly on Feb. 7 at his residence in Marlborough.
David was born in Framingham, the son of the late George J. Cabral and the late Eva M. (Swift) Lindsey Cabral. He attended grammar school in Hopkinton and was a graduate of Keefe Technical High School in Framingham.
David had been employed for many years as a union carpenter working out of the Carpenters Union Local 475 out of Boston. David also was a frequent volunteer at the Food Bank in Marlborough.
David loved the outdoors and loved dogs and fishing. He also loved listening to all kinds of music. His family remembers him as being a great dad to his sons and a great uncle to his nieces and nephews.
David is survived by his three sons, David Cabral of New Hampshire, Jonathan D. Cabral of Milford, and River M. Cabral of Milford; his grandson, Carson Cabral of Bellingham; his siblings, Brenda (Lindsey) Gentilotti of Hopkinton, Joseph Lindsey of Milford, Michael Cabral of Savannah, Georgia, and Diane Cabral of Hopkinton; as well as several nieces and nephews.
David was the father of Michael C. Cabral, who died in 1997, and the brother of Robert E. Lindsey, who died in 2013, and Kayle L. (Lindsey) Martino, who died in 2023.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life was held Feb. 22 at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home in Milford.
Virginia Foster Donna Lowell
police log
ARRESTS
Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.
February 11
7:42 p.m. A motorist reported she was behind an erratic driver on West Main Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Peter Lord and Matthew LaTour responded and conducted a motor vehicle stop. A 35-year-old Ware resident was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, marked lanes violation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor.
February 13
1:46 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker conducted a motor vehicle stop on Hayward Street and subsequently arrested a 25-year-old from Worcester on a warrant. The registered owner of the vehicle took over operation and was to take care of the registration.
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.
February 5
8:52 a.m. Officer Brian Ziniti responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street and spoke to all involved parties. A written warning was issued to one operator for failure to stop. A crash report was taken.
10:13 a.m. Officer Kyle Quinzani attempted to assist the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department in Florida by delivering a message to a Barbara Road resident. Officer Quinzani found that the person no longer lives at that address.
12:57 p.m. A Summer Street walk-in reported her vehicle was vandalized. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted and took a report.
2:56 p.m. A Woodview Way caller complained of a dog barking in the neighborhood. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and spoke with the owner, who stated her boyfriend let the dog out and she was on her way home to take care of the dog. The incident was logged.
3:26 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on Ash Street who was driving in the wrong lane of travel and was stopping in the middle of the road. Officer Peter Lord spoke with the driver, who stated she was having difficulty seeing due to the sun.
7:33 p.m. A School Street resident reported his daughter thought she was being followed home, and he requested an officer at his residence. Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and
reported the daughter returned home safely. 7:50 p.m. A caller reported a motorist driving in the wrong lane of travel on West Main Street. Sgt. William Burchard and Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and checked the area with a negative find on the vehicle.
February 6
8:54 a.m. Officers Kyle Quinzani and Noah Buentello responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving commercial vans. A crash report was taken, and the drivers made their own towing arrangements.
12:53 p.m. A motorist reported his vehicle hydroplaned on West Main Street and was stuck in the roadway. Officers Brian Ziniti and Kyle Quinzani responded and assisted the operator to get on his way.
5:58 p.m. A supervisor on Wood Street reported trash in a residential truck was on fire. Officers Matthew LaTour, Adam Rowe and Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department.
8:46 p.m. UMass Memorial Medical Center faxed over information about a domestic dog bite that occurred on Laurel Canyon Drive. It was shared with the animal control officer.
9:38 p.m. A Revolutionary Way caller reported her son was chased and threatened by three older teenagers. Officer Adam Rowe called to speak with the alleged victim. A report followed.
February 7
1:54 a.m. An Amherst Road caller complained of a dog barking in the neighborhood for the past few hours. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and checked the area. He reported the barking was coming from dogs inside a house.
5:27 a.m. A motorist reported his vehicle broke down on Spring Street and was blocking traffic. AAA was en route. Officer Brian Ziniti responded to assist with traffic.
8:04 a.m. A caller reported a dead bird on Front Street. Sgt. William Burchard responded and notified the DPW.
10:52 a.m. A Revolutionary Way caller reported a male attempted to enter the building and was arguing with residents. Sgt. William Burchard and Sgt. Aaron O’Neil responded and spoke with residents about the verbal altercation. The man was gone upon their arrival.
3:26 p.m. Officers Robert Ekross and Peter Lord responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.
3:36 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Augusto Diaz responded to a motor vehicle crash on Main Street. The vehicle was towed. Officer Saletnik picked up the child of one of the involved drivers from school.
7:07 p.m. Officers Robert Ekross and Peter Lord assisted the Fire Department in responding to a report of flooding due to sewage on Main Street.
10:38 p.m. A caller reported possible vandalism to a car on Hillcrest Drive and a subsequent disturbance. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Robert Ekross and Nicholas Saletnik responded and moved parties along. A report followed.
February 8
2:17 a.m. A Chestnut Street caller called 911 15 times from multiple phones claiming threats made by an ex-wife despite the initial call being handled by Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Augusto Diaz. Officer Sean McKeon and Justin Cappuccio responded to the house to stop the calls, as they were tying up a 911 line.
3:54 a.m. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Sean McKeon assisted other police agencies with shutting down southbound ramps off Interstate 495 after a tractor-trailer rollover that was blocking three lanes of travel.
1:11 p.m. A Saddle Hill Road resident reported her neighbor’s side door was open, and she found it suspicious. Officers Brian Ziniti and Aline Matos responded and reported the door was opened by the dog, and they secured it.
February 9
12:49 a.m. The DPW reported a vehicle struck a stone wall on Hayden Rowe Street. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and reported no injuries. A tow truck removed the vehicle, and property damage was reported. Officer Cappuccio provided a courtesy transport for the operator to Milford.
3:06 p.m. A caller complained of youths throwing snowballs and causing a disturbance on Grove Street. Officers Robert Ekross and Aline Matos checked the area with a negative find.
4:54 p.m. A caller reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident the previous night on Honeybee Pass that caused property damage. Officers Robert Ekross and Aline Matos responded to view the damage and take a report.
5:29 p.m. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officers Robert Ekross responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a stove fire on Hayden Rowe Street.
February 10
6:06 a.m. Officer Benjamin Vaz reported a motor vehicle accident on South Street. A third involved vehicle fled the scene. A crash report was taken, and a criminal application was issued to one driver.
2:02 p.m. A Constitution Court resident reported a stolen motor vehicle. Officers Nicholas Walker, Matthew LaTour and Noah Buentello responded and took a report.
4:23 p.m. A Main Street caller requested to speak with an officer about illegal dumping of trash on his property. Officers Robert Ekross and Adam Rowe assisted and took a report.
February 11
7:07 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle off the roadway and in a snowbank on West Main Street near the Interstate 495 ramp. The State Police responded. 5:27 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Nicholas Saletnik, Adam Rowe and Aline Matos responded to a motor vehicle crash on Grove Street. Personal injuries were reported, and tow trucks removed two vehicles.
February 12
4:33 p.m. A motorist reported her car broke down in a lane of traffic on East Main Street. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Peter Lord responded, assisted and gave her a courtesy transport home.
5:53 p.m. A caller on West Main Street reported hearing a verbal altercation and then someone running from the scene. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Aline Matos and Adam Rowe responded and took a report.
5:56 p.m. A motorist reported a silver SUV hit his vehicle on Chestnut Street and fled the scene. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Peter Lord responded and took a hit-and-run report.
February 13
5:00 a.m. A call from Lifeline 360 reporting an accident on the Interstate 495 north ramp off West Main Street was received. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and assisted. The Fire Department responded. The driver refused medical attention.
9:11 a.m. A Blueberry Lane caller reported fraud after purchasing fake Celtics tickets from a person on a Hopkinton Facebook group. She was advised to visit the station to speak with an officer.
10:52 a.m. A caller reported a suspicious Ford F-150 pickup truck on Parkwood Drive. Officers Kyle Quinzani and Nicholas Walker responded and spoke with the reporting person.
1:19 p.m. Officer Brian Zinit assisted a disabled plow truck that lost both its tires on Cedar Street. One tow truck removed the truck and another removed the plow.
3:36 p.m. A caller reported a disabled motor vehicle causing a traffic backup on West Main Street. Officer Peter Lord responded and stood by while a tow truck removed the vehicle.
3:40 p.m. An online traffic complaint was received
about a vehicle that passed a bus on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and spoke to the reporting person.
4:33 p.m. Officer Peter Lord responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on South Street. No personal injuries were reported.
February 14
11:09 a.m. A motorist reported her car broke down on Elm Street in the middle of the intersection. Officer Brian Ziniti responded, and the caller had been able to get her car out of the intersection and make towing arrangements.
3:27 p.m. A caller reported seeing a person kick a dog, then put it in the trunk of a car. Officers Aline Matos and Nicholas Saletnik responded and spoke with the owner, who stated the dog went to run and she had to step on the leash.
8:59 p.m. A caller reported his vehicle hit a curb on Main Street and popped a tire. Officer Robert Ekross responded. The vehicle was to be towed in the morning.
February 15
3:44 p.m. An Oliver Lane resident reported her private conversations had been compromised by an unknown number. Officer Robert Ekross assisted.
4:46 p.m. A passerby reported a person walking in the middle of the roadway on Wood Street. Officer Robert
SENIOR SNIPPETS
Ekross responded and found a youth on a skateboard in the area. All was OK.
6:31 p.m. A caller reported a dog that seemed to be in distress, as it has been barking for the past 30 minutes. The caller was unsure at which house on Partridge Road the dog was located. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and checked the area with a negative find.
10:47 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a backhoe on West Main Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.
February 16
3:53 a.m. The DPW reported two vehicles parked on Box Mill Road were impeding snow removal. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded along with a tow truck. One vehicle was loaded on the tow truck, and the owner subsequently arranged payment with the towing company to have it removed before being towed. The owner of the second vehicle was able to move it before it was towed.
3:23 p.m. A Greenwood Road resident reported his car was hit overnight by a plow truck. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and took a report.
3:53 p.m. A caller reported Spring Street was flooded. The DPW was notified and responded.
5:30 p.m. A caller reported North Street was flooded. The DPW was advised
The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.
15 Minutes of Fame
This new program brings back Show and Tell from school. The Senior Center seeks those who have a hobby they are passionate about — knowledge of a specific historical event/cultural icon, travels around the world, an interesting work background or anything that could be interesting to others. Each month, two speakers will get a chance to be the expert and lead a 15-minute presentation on their topic of choice. Anyone interested in being a presenter can call Jessica to learn more.
Celebrate Mardi Gras
Thursday, Feb. 27, 1 p.m.
This program features an afternoon of interactive games, Mardi Gras trivia, music and festivities celebrating Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras colors of green, purple and gold are strongly encouraged, as well as masquerade masks.
Book Club
Wednesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m.
One of life’s pleasure’s is a good book. Another is having the time to read it. At these monthly meetings, participants are welcome to bring their own refreshments, sit back and relax while enjoying book reviews and socializing. This month’s discussion will be on the book “Madam Secretary” by Madeline Albright.
Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center
Thursday, March 6, 1 p.m.
This is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment, or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships. Live music and refreshments usually are offered. This is a joint venture between Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call the Senior Center.
Borrowing Your First E-Book
Wednesday, March 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Hopkinton Public Library librarian Danielle will lead this educational class on how to borrow and read an e-book through Libby. Danielle will talk participants through the signup process, teach how to search for books, show how to borrow an e-book, and explain how to open and read an e-book. Attendees also will get an instruction packet to take home. Nothing is required for the class, but anyone who wants to read e-books with Libby via the library will need a smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or computer, as well a a valid library card.
and responded.
7:24 p.m. A Mount Auburn Street caller complained of two dogs outside barking for the past three hours. Officer Matthew LaTour responded. The animal control officer spoke with the owner, who stated she could let the dogs back inside remotely. Officer LaTour was to doublecheck that the dogs made it inside.
10:05 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour reported a vehicle hit a snowbank on Cedar Street. He checked on the driver, who was OK. There was no damage to the vehicle.
February 17
8:38 a.m. A motorist reported a large piece of ice fell off a truck and onto her vehicle, causing significant damage. She pulled off Interstate 495, and the State Police responded and assisted.
10:29 a.m. A caller at an East Main Street business reported a chauffeur had not returned a limousine. Officer Noah Buentello spoke with the chauffeur, and he was returning the vehicle. Officer Buentello took a report.
11:38 a.m. Several callers reported a tree fell across the roadway on Pond Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and reported the road had been made passable. DPW was contacted and responded with a chainsaw.
12:26 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a parked vehicle on Constitution Court. Officer Brian Ziniti responded, spoke with both parties and took an accident report.
1:38 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell on a Kerry Lane house. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded along with the Fire Department to assist.
2:01 p.m. Officer Noah Buentello responded to a report of a downed wire on Hayden Rowe Street. Eversource was
contacted.
2:33 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with airbag deployment on Cedar Street. Officers Noah Buentello and Kyle Quinzani responded along with an ambulance. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Buentello provided the driver with a courtesy transport.
3:17 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik notified Eversource about a tree that fell on wires on Legacy Farms North.
3:43 p.m. A caller reported Ash Street was slippery from water draining, and his wife fell. The DPW was notified.
5:10 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour reported a tree hanging in the roadway on Granite Street. The DPW responded and cleared it.
6:59 p.m. The DPW reported a wire fell in the roadway on Church Street. Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded, placed cones in the area and contacted Verizon.
Antiques
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