HI February 9, 2022

PRST-STD U.S. Postage PAID Hopkinton, MA 01748 Permit No. 109 ECRWSS Postal Patron

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 23 | No. 3 | February 9, 2022

Town finally turns corner on COVID

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

SNOW PATROL

Susan Mahoney (left) and Nancy Gould walk their dogs at Hopkinton State Park on Jan. 30 following the nor’easter the previous day that dropped well over a foot of snow in town.

Older students with disabilities develop business skills via Niche Hop Shop

he COVID battle certainly is not over, but Health Director Shaun McAuliffe expressed reason for optimism in recent reports.

“On a positive note, we appear to be on the downslope of the peak of the omicron surge,” he told the Select Board on Jan. 25.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), there were 889 confirmed cases in Hopkinton from Jan. 1-25. Of those, 386 were in the 0-19 age group, 44 were college-aged, 398 were between 23-65 and only 39 were older than 65, McAuliffe shared, crediting the Senior Center for its efforts with the town’s older residents.

However, McAuliffe noted that those numbers represent a “significant undercount.”

“We consulted with the DPH the last two days, and the message that COVID | 7

INSIDE NEWS

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

Eversource’s latest tax appeal forces town to adjust budget

O

lder students with disabilities in the Hopkinton Public Schools are finding their niche in the community by participating in an innovative business selling T-shirts and other items through the district’s 18-22 program.

The Niche Hop Shop store grew out of the 18-22 program, according to Katie Hibbert, a special education teacher. The 18-22 program, located at what is known as the “white house” in front of the middle school, exists to help students with disabilities gain a variety of job and life skills.

“We teach everything that you would need to know as you are becoming an adult and becoming more Hop Shop | 11

5

POLITICS

State Rep. Dykema resigns to take job with solar company

8

SCHOOLS

Masks, calendar hot topics at School Committee meeting

19

Student Max McNamara shows off some of the items for sale at the Niche Hop Shop.

Love your home, home, e your your home, not your mortgage rate? notbut your mortgage rate? not your mortgage rate?

before rates increase! Call me. that! Let’s Give fix methat a call and take advantage of low rates.

hat! Give me a call and take advantage of low rates.

erwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information.

Bryan BrownBryan Brown Branch ManagerBranch Manager

C: (978) 870-7138 C: (978) 870-7138 Bryan.Brown@rate.com Bryan.Brown@rate.com Rate.com/BryanBrown

Rate.com/BryanBrown

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information.

Equal Housing Lender Bryan ID #89425; MA - MLO89425 - MC2611, NHRI- NH89425 13931-MB, RI - Licensed | GR St., NMLS 2611 (National Licensing www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • MA - Guaranteed• Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611• NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of n Brown NMLS ID Brown #89425;NMLS MA - MLO89425 - MC2611, NH - NH89425 - 13931-MB, - Licensed |-Office: (617) 286-8904 | 22 South SuiteID201, Hopkinton, MAMortgage 01748 | NMLS ID 2611 System, (National Mortgage Licensing System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) MA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611• riting approval.

Not all applicants will be approved for financing.

Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee.

Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information. ranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department Lic # 13931-MB • NH Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department Lic # 13931-MB • RI Rhode Island Licensed Lender Lic # 20102682LL, RI Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • RI - Rhode Island Licensed Lender Lic # 20102682LL, RI - Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB

Brown NMLS ID #89425; MA - MLO89425 - MC2611, NH - NH89425 - 13931-MB, RI - Licensed | Office: (617) 286-8904 | 22 South St., Suite 201, Hopkinton, MA 01748 | NMLS ID 2611 (National Mortgage Licensing System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • MA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611• teed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • RI - Rhode Island Licensed Lender Lic # 20102682LL, RI - Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB

2 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

Hopkinton Independent The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,200 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Mary Ellen Gambon, Christie Vogt

contact us

FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com

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

Town tunes in to honor MLK C

OVID curtailed the town’s Martin Luther King Day activities last month, but two local organizations hosted memorable virtual events on MLK weekend.

On Jan. 17, the Hopkinton Freedom Team hosted an event broadcast on HCAM that featured keynote speaker Jamele Adams, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director for Scituate Public Schools and the visionary of the Freedom Team concept that originated in Natick.

Adams told participants he hoped they would take away at least four things from his presentation.

1. “It is our time.”

2. “Freedom is fearless.”

3. “Love how you love who you love.”

4. “The only things undefeated are time and love.”

Said Adams: “I’ve never seen love lose. And time, we don’t have enough of it, but we use what we have. You can’t beat time. You can’t. We all have a certain number of ticks in life, and in that heart. So rock with it and make every day count.”

Adams shared a few quotes from Dr. King, including one of his favorites (a quote that actually originated with Mahatma Gandhi): “Non-cooperation with evil is as moral an obligation as is cooperation with good.”

Lynn Canty, one of the event’s organizers, explained how Dr. King has served as an inspiration for the Freedom Team.

INDEPENDENT “Dr. King inspired the world with his vision of an integrated society full of love, inclusion and trust,” she said.

THOUGHTS “This is the energy that fuels the Hopkinton Freedom Team.

JERRY SPAR We aspire to not only be the change we wish to see in the world but to also lead by example along the journey.”

The event also included taped appearances from U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Select Board Member Muriel Kramer, Town Manager Norman Khumalo, Hopkinton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh, South Asian Circle of Hopkinton representative Namrata Mathur and Vineyard Church of Hopkinton Pastor Sarah Schneider. Five student members of Hopkins School Principal’s Cabinet shared a presentation as well.

One day earlier, the Islamic Masumeen School of Hopkinton’s Zoom event included speeches from Town Clerk Connor Degan, Police Chief Joseph Bennett, United Parish of Upton Pastor Lourey Savick, Islamic Masumeen Center of New England religious leader Agha Mehdi Ali (who also spoke at the Freedom Team event), Blak Madeen performer Yusuf Trombly and Sunday School students.

MHC makes news Hopkinton’s Abby Rosenberg made an appearance on WBZ-TV Channel 4’s morning news program on Jan. 31 to promote her organization, Mental Health Collaborative (MHC).

The nonprofit teaches mental health in schools, including in Hopkinton, where the program was piloted.

“I realized that mental health literacy and that foundation is really, what I think, the missing piece in our country,” Rosenberg told WBZ-TV. “We really do such a good job at teaching all kinds of literacy, but not so much mental health.”

MHC staffers cover topics including good mental health, understanding the different illnesses and treatments, stigma and the language around mental health.

“For a lot of these kids, they’re suffering and they are seeing things that, either in themselves, or in other people, that they can’t put a name to, so this helps them put a name to it.” MHC educator Gabrielle Giordano told the station.

Giordano added that this type of program is long overdue in the schools.

“It’s amazing to me [that it hasn’t been instituted before],” she said. “I wish my kids had this. I wish I had this. It seems so simple and it seems like, why aren’t we doing this? And when you teach this to kids, knowledge is just everything, right?”

Local teachers bring game When Walpole High School hosted Norwood in boys basketball on Jan. 20, it was believed to mark a first in state history: two female coaches of boys teams facing off against each other.

The Norwood coach is Kristen McDonnell, a familiar name locally as Norwood plays with Hopkinton in the Tri-Valley League.

The Walpole coach is Jenna Galster, who is a teacher at Hopkinton High School. Galster previously served as head coach of the Holliston boys and was an assistant for the Dover-Sherborn boys the previous couple of seasons.

She is in her first season at Walpole. …

Popular Hopkinton Middle School teacher Jeff Kearney recently stepped down as the softball coach at Medway High School, where he had served as coach for nine years. Kearney was the Tri-Valley League Coach of the Year in 2017 and led the Mustangs to the league title the following season.

Kearney also is a longtime high school referee in soccer and basketball.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 3

Viewpoint

Why are Chuck Joseph, Ann Clark, and Mike Auen the most trusted TEAM in Hopkinton?

UCTC should re-evaluate trail proposal The Upper Charles Trail Committee (UCTC) presented its proposed route in December and has received significant public feedback appreciative of the efforts and also challenging segments 1 to 6 for safety concerns and more. The paved trail would start on Route 85 where Milford’s trail ends, cross that busy road three times, wind through school campuses, then join Center Trail. The Trails Club presented a stone dust alternative to those segments.

It addresses safety, having only one bridged (safer) crossing of Route 85, plus is more pleasant to use while also less expensive and faster to complete. UCTC heard the proposed alternative and invited public input, which is most welcome!

Rather than proceed with next steps to move the original proposal forward, UCTC should pause now, further investigate the alternative and communicate the findings of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If the current proposal proceeds without that, UCTC jeopardizes both public support and a successful result.

At this point, the advantages UCTC sees in segments 1 to 6 are not apparent. UCTC’s responses so far included a reference to vision. I’d welcome UCTC articulating that vision; its website’s mission reports “a trail for recreational use.” So why a paved route more suitable for commuting, a use that doesn’t seem practical there? UCTC also mentioned three easements needed for the alternative route but didn’t compare that to 15 easements needed for the proposed route. UCTC welcomed the Trails Club route as a spur, an addition rather than an alternative to segments 1 to 6; unfortunately the issues with the original still stand.

My family uses many area trails, mainly for recreational walking and biking. We would likely avoid using the proposed trail in segments 1 to 6, just as we now often avoid the Milford trail segment that crosses Interstate 495 ramps; the noise, exhaust smell and danger are unappealing. We would gladly use the Trails Club’s route, which doesn’t have such issues and would be wooded, hence cooler and more scenic, with a surface that’s easier on the bones and the wallet, and presenting less disruptive construction.

Pausing now, re-evaluating and potentially changing course could be frustrating and disappointing to the UCTC after working long and hard on this, but better to do so now than face it later if the proposal is rejected by voters. I sincerely appreciate UCTC’s willingness to reconsider their plan.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

P.C. from Hopkinton 2022

Now is a GREAT time to start the conversation Please contact us for a NO OBLIGATION Market Analysis

Chuck Joseph 508-509-6169

Mike Auen

508-951-4951

Ann Clark

508-439-2728

— Linda Chuss, Hopkinton

More support for alternative trail I am writing to comment on the process related to the issue of the Upper Charles Trail connection in Hopkinton to the Milford section. I listened with great interest to the informative presentation by Peter LaGoy, co-chair of the Trails Club, at the Upper Charles Trail Committee (UCTC) meeting on Jan. 19. He presented the Hopkinton Trails Club’s proposed alternative route to the one under consideration by the UCTC. As a walker, I am of the opinion that the Trails Club route is much more in line with the recreational uses of town residents. As pointed out in the presentation, we want to walk and bike in the woods, not use a trail for transportation. We want an alternative to walking on roads and sidewalks.

Listening to the discussion, I would like to know if the UCTC is truly open to consideration of this alternative. Are all members committed to the original proposal? The chair stated that the committee was in favor of [its own] route, but I noted comments from some members that they either supported the Trails Club route or thought it a good idea to consider.

I would suggest that a great deal more community input is needed before proceeding. I hope that there is an opportunity for community input at your next meeting. The larger issues of desired use, on road or through woods, huge cost differentials, type of surface, etc., should be discussed.

Unfortunately, Peter was peppered with details such as the location of the bridge across Route 85. The larger picture needs to be kept in view and agreement is needed to gather information on the overall route, purposes, safety and costs of both routes before a recommendation is made.

And the UCTC must be willing to listen to the residents and truly consider the alternative and not be wedded to their original proposal. The School Committee has already voted [not to support] it. Where do individual members stand, and are they speaking their views?

I would hope that this issue could be discussed at Town Meeting and that no vote be taken prematurely on appropriation of Community Preservation Act funds for high-priced consulting.

I, for one, do not want my tax money to be spent on this current UCTC proposal without further discussion. I hope the committee is sincerely open to discussing alternatives so that the best proposal moves forward for the benefit of the town.

“They have been outstanding in assisting me in selling my home and downsizing to the home of my dreams.

They worked with my budget, were flexible, and had a backup plan to ensure I would end up with the perfect home for me. They are the A Team!”

— Judith Weinthaler, Hopkinton Letters | 5

l l ’ u o Y s n Reaso e M E V O L As Your Realtor!

L o c al Expertise Always In Touch

Expert Negotiator

Deta Orientil ed

One of the top RE/MAX agents in Massachusetts RE/MAX Executive Realty 22 South Street, Suite 203 Hopkinton / 508-509-4867

Bill Gassett

HopkintonIndependent.com

billgassett@remaxexec.com www.maxrealestateexposure.com www.sellmyhomeinmetrowestma.com

4 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

SHARE THE LOVE IN YOUR NEW HOME!

Viewpoint Letters | from page 3

Correction on trail story Many thanks to Mary Ellen Gambon for her thorough reporting on the Jan. 19 meeting of the Upper Charles Trail Committee (UCTC), where an alternative route was presented by the Hopkinton Trails Club. There was only one error in the piece, but an important one. The route proposed by the UCTC does NOT make use of the existing Echo Trail (running south from Granite Street along the abandoned rail bed), while the alternative proposal from the Trails Club does.

JENNIFER FRENCH 617-997-2207

Call Today to learn more about the Spring Market.

Statistics validate concerns about pit bulls

jenniferfrench.re@gmail.com | www.jenniferfrench.com

Our new address:

OUR OFFICE HAS MOVED

The Law Office of Christine H. Burke 52 Pleasant Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 Christine H. Burke, ESQ ATTORNEY AT LAW | LLM TAXATION

e: Christine.Burke.Law@gmail.com p: 508.435.8500 f: 508.435-8530

— David Dollenmayer, Hopkinton

I really disagree with our local veterinarian who was calling others in the public “ignorant” and that “it is unfair to single out pit bulls,” when someone notes future dog adopters “should be careful with pit bulls.” The statement “Be careful with pit bulls” is based on truth and fact. We live in a world where statistics don’t lie. Though pit bulls can be a loving pet “most” of the time, the potential for a bite causing injury, lawsuits and even death has a much higher potential with pit bulls vs. other breeds simply because of their head/jaw strength and their lineage of being attack/fighting dogs. Anyone stating “be careful with pit bulls” is 100 percent correct in asking people to think twice and hard about their decision when considering adopting or getting a new puppy. Your decision could directly affect you or someone you love. Pit bulls have a laundry list of awful statistics. See Dogsbite.org for national dog bite statistics and lots of information.

From the website: “From 2005 to 2020, pit bulls killed 380 Americans, a rate over seven times higher than the next closest breed, Rottweilers, with 51 deaths,” and, “In the 15-year data set (2005 to 2019), there were 74 owner-directed attacks, when a dog kills its primary owner. Pit bulls inflicted 62 percent (46) of these deaths, over 11 times more than any other dog breed.” Eliminate pit bulls and we could potentially eliminate up to 66 percent of human deaths by dogs.

In my opinion it’s a no-brainer. Many towns and even countries have done so. My opinion is only my opinion ... my opinion is that pit bulls should be illegal. Choose a different breed.

Of note, my friend’s female Rottweiler was a model dog who aggressively barked at someone only three times in her whole life, while on the flip side, in a different household, the Rottweiler of my cousin’s 10-year-old grandson killed him.

— Steven West, Hopkinton

Pit bulls ‘great family pets’ I was surprised and disappointed to see a letter printed recently from a resident telling the public to “be careful with pit bulls.” These are wonderful dogs that make great family pets with the right care and training. An owner surrender to a shelter can mean lots of things — financial issues, change in living situation or allergies, just to name a few. Many media outlets profit by creating a sense of fear to increase viewership, and pit bulls have become victims of their tactics.

Furthermore, having volunteered for Baypath [Humane Society], I’m proud to also note that they work extremely hard to assess the dogs that come under their care to ensure that they are placed in appropriate homes. I’d encourage you to not print such misinformed information in the future.

— Jen Cassidy, 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.

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Support your hyper-local newspaper.

Advertise your business in the Hopkinton Independent

Contact Susanne at 508 954 8148, sales@hopkintonindependent.com.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 5

Eversource’s latest tax appeal derails town budget presentation

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

The finance team will revisit the overall budget picture in light of this latest unwelcome action by our largest taxpayer. While this is an adverse development, it is not a disaster. I have confidence in our tax assessment process, and I believe that the town will eventually prevail in collecting the taxes that are due from this corporate giant.

own Manager Norman Khumalo was to present the consolidated fiscal year 2023 budget to the Select Board for discussion at the board’s Feb. 1 meeting, but a late-breaking development — Town Manager Norman Khumalo forced a change in plans.

“One of the plant because of Eversource’s fremost consequential factors in the quent appeals. proposed FY 23 budget was that “They have been appealing Eversource had not appealed the things that are very straightforward,” new taxes levied on the business O’Leary said at the Nov. 16 Select personal property at the liquid natuBoard meeting. “They have been ral gas facility,” Khumalo said. appealing settled matters — that “We considered that a reasonable have been settled by court — and if somewhat unexpected outcome, exercising their right to re-litigate since Eversource has acknowledged those matters.” to us in writing that they are spending At last year’s budget presentaapproximately $140 million on the tion, when he requested additional recapitalization of the Wilson Street funds for the town’s legal battles with facility.”

Eversource, O’Leary explained that However, Khumalo explained the utility lost court challenges to that Eversource, the town’s biggest Hopkinton in 2014, ’15 and ’16 betaxpayer, revealed just minutes before the state’s Appellate Tax Board. fore the deadline that it is appealing a “The town’s tax relationship potential $2.2 million in tax revenue. with Eversource is challenging and “This action strongly suggests expensive,” O’Leary said. “And that Eversource will likewise appeal this situation is not unique to Hopthe additional tax increment that kinton. Across the commonwealth, is expected to be levied in 2023,” Eversource is appealing assessments, Khumalo told the board. “And that thereby imposing high staff and legal increment is an important source of costs on towns where they operate. funds in the budget I have forwarded Despite this expense, the town beto you. lieves it’s important and completely “This last-minute multimillion appropriate to stand up to Eversource dollar change in our potential tax on these cases.” appeal liability changes the situaAfter being contacted by the tion for the recommended FY 2023 Independent, Chris McKinnon from budget materially and substantially,” Eversource’s media relations office Khumalo continued. “This change shared a statement from the utility will require a careful review and suggesting that the town’s assessadjustment of the budget in your ments are not “appropriate” and packet.” insisting that the company is looking Khumalo said he expects to reout for customers. turn in a few weeks with an updated “We recognize the critical role budget, but, “for now, it’s back to the that our property tax payments play drawing board.” in shaping the revenues available to “The finance team will revisit municipalities to fund local budgets,” the overall budget picture in light of the statement reads. “We view this this latest unwelcome action by our support for the communities as an largest taxpayer,” he said. “While this important part of our municipal reis an adverse development, it is not lationships and we are proud of the a disaster. I have confidence in our contributions we are making through tax assessment process, and I believe our infrastructure programs that are that the town will eventually prevail designed for the benefit of customers. in collecting the taxes that are due “At the same time, our customers from this corporate giant. pay for the infrastructure costs and “The budget process often associated property taxes. We have evolves rapidly but rarely does so a fundamental obligation to balance with such an extreme impact. This our duty to customers to control projsituation highlights the sensitivity ect costs and our supportive role with the town has when a single litigious municipalities. Any litigation that taxpayer owns such a large portion Eversource undertakes is squarely of the town’s property.” directed at controlling costs for our Town representatives have called customers, and we do not challenge attention to Eversource’s habit of amounts that are appropriate under litigiousness in the past. Hopkinton the law. We always work with our Chief Financial Officer Tim O’Leary communities in good faith toward an noted last fall that the town spent equitable result for all, and remain $70,000 for a court-ready appraisal committed to doing so with the Town for the renovation work at the LNG of Hopkinton.”

Save $1500+ with Ostrander’s INSURERS

Paul Ostrander

when you switch from Liberty Mutual!

Real people with Real Savings:

Insurance Quote Ostrander Insur an

• Ben & Jillian, Westborough: Saved $2,059

• Sanjay & Shaila, Hopkinton: Saved $1,204

Add your name to the list!

✔

ce

✔ ✔ ®

✔

508.966.1116 Paul@OstranderInsurance.com

OstranderInsurance.com

Call Paul for a fr insurance port ee fo review today! lio

INTRODUCING

Trina Macchi Collection a real estate portfolio

Successfully Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together During These Extraordinary Times I’m sure we can all agree that times have changed, and the real estate market is no exception. This means that WE as agents must change with the times.

We at Trina Macchi & Co. have enhanced our website to better accommodate both buyers and sellers.

Register today • As a buyer to stay on top of new listings that are not public or are coming soon • As a seller to receive information about the different ways you can list your property with us (private or public) • As a seller to receive a price analysis and a marketing plan of action • As a buyer agent or listing agent to submit your buyer client criteria or your off-market listings

To register: Visit TrinaMacchiCollection.com or Scan this QR code with your phone camera or Call or text at 508-509-4236

Hopkinton’s #1 AGENT in 2020 for sales volume per MLS

HopkintonIndependent.com

508.435.8000 HopkintonMoves.com | Trina@TrinaMacchi.com 11 GROVE STREET | HOPKINTON | MA 01748

Follow us on

6 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

The Hopkinton Women’s Club hopes you are benefiting from the new Community Register. With their advertising, these local businesses generously support our charitable efforts. Please patronize them!

Adam West Landscape Construction American Climbers Baystate Audiology Bee’s Knees Interior Design Bob Winner Carpentry Brad Mayo Fence Co. Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home Chesmore Funeral Home Erica’s Ristorante Foster Custom Furniture Frank’s Appliance Greenway Landscaping Hair That Works Hillers Cleaners Hillers Pizza Hopkinton Center for the Arts Hopkinton Stone & Gardens Hopkinton Wine & Spirits Hurricane Roofing and Construction Hydrosystems Hopkinton Women's Club 2012 Logo Outlines.pdf

International Consulting Services J B Sawmill & Landclearing J.C. Parmenter, J.D. Marquedant & Associates James Bertino Plumbing & Heating Joe Regan Tree Work Joseph A. Menna, DMD Joyce Plumbing & Heating Lakeside Tree Service Lumber Street Auto Repair Main Street Pediatrics Main Street Service Center McCarthy Pools Corp.

McIntyre Engineering & Septic Service McIntyre Loam Middlesex Savings Bank Milford Regional Physician Group Miss Tanya’s Family of Nursery Schools 1/24/2013

2:07:27 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

UCTC addresses public concerns about trail proposal

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

A

Nealon & Nealon, Attorneys New View Oasis Wealth Advisors Paradis Painting & Gutters Paul Gentile Plumbing & Heating

Phipps Insurance Agency Platinum Physical Therapy Re/Max Executive Realty Resilience Fitness Robmar Design Associates Rosen & Maruska, CPAs Scott Septic Scott’s Landscaping Shear Magic & Co. Simard Electric Company Sunnyside Gardens Sunshine Pre-School Thackaberry Heating & Cooling Thomson Architects Weston Nurseries

Thinking of Selling?

Now is the perfect time as inventory and rates are at historical lows.

t its meeting Feb. 2, the Upper Charles Trail Committee addressed feedback it has received about its trail proposal and discussed ways to better connect with the public about its goals and ideas.

UCTC Chair Jane Moran explained that the committee has “just begun a process” and is receptive to all opinions.

“I would like to reinforce the fact that all ideas matter,” she said. “We continue to look forward to as much input as possible, and dialogue. This will all go to the benefit for the best possible outcome and product that we, as a town, are really desiring. This committee will continue to evaluate all of the alignments as we continue to receive them, and study them and engineer them. As a reminder, it is our charge to present two alignments to the Select Board. That is our goal, and that is what we will do.”

Town Engineer Dave Daltorio said he is working on a webpage that he hopes will be live within the next week.

The page would include documents related to the project as well as answers to frequently asked questions — some of which he answered at the meeting.

One of the biggest concerns about the project is the section that would run along Hayden Rowe Street and cross the busy road multiple times.

“The plan presented to date by the committee, it shows two alternatives on that plan, so it can get confusing,” Daltorio said. “There’s four [crossing] locations that are shown on that plan, but one is an existing location at EMC Park [and another already has a crosswalk]. Ultimately, there would be two new locations.”

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

LIBRARY CORNER

Digital cards available

Those without a library card or time to visit can access Hopkinton digital materials by signing up online for a free CWMARS e-card for e-books, audiobooks and magazines. Check the library’s website for details and an application.

Local Author Fair

C: 508.397.5870 Dympna.Atwell@raveis.com DympnaAtwell.raveis.com

The library is hoping to hold a Local Author Fair, where local published authors will have an opportunity to read from their work, answer questions about their writing process, and sell and sign copies of their work.

Local authors should reach out to Nanci Hill (nhill@hopkintonma.gov) before the end of February with contact information (name, phone number, email address) as well as the book’s title and ISBN. Slots will be limited and preference will be given to Hopkinton authors.

COVID reminders

Masks covering the nose and mouth are required for those age 2 and over at all times in library. Food is not allowed in the library.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Following a public meeting in December in which numerous residents raised objections to the plan, Daltorio noted that the committee decided to hold off on making a presentation to the Select Board. Hopkinton Trails Club representative Peter LaGoy presented an alternative proposal at a meeting two weeks ago.

“I hope all can remember they are hearing the concerns of the public, and they have taken actions on some of those already,” Daltorio said of the committee members. “The committee has stated they are not in opposition to a proposed alignment and are welcome to ideas for more trails. And just from my standpoint, there is no need for the town to decide between two or three or four trails. The town is always hopeful that construction of all sorts of trails can proceed. It doesn’t have to be a one or another scenario.”

The most discussed section of the entire trail — which the committee hopes will eventually connect Milford to Ashland — is the campus trail connector off Hayden Rowe Street.

The School Committee, at a recent meeting, voted unanimously not to support a trail going through the Irvine-Todaro property, which includes Marathon School and an adjoining parcel, citing safety as well as the possibility for a new school building being built there.

Daltorio countered that Town Meeting voters voiced support for putting trails on that land. He also noted that the town is slated to acquire a parcel that abuts that property, which would give trail designers more flexibility and could help alleviate concerns.

“We will continue to coordinate those changes with the School Committee as you folks continue to want to use those properties for trails,” he said.

Backyard Chickens with Kirby Lecy Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Zoom) Farmer Kirby will present all the things she wished she had known about natural chickens before adding them to her small farm. She will cover all the basics of keeping poultry for eggs. This event is sponsored by the Ashburnham Public Library. Register via the library website.

Climate-Smart Forestry with Mass Audubon Thursday, Feb. 10, 7-8:30 p.m. (Zoom) Conservation scientist Josh Rapp will speak on how landowners can manage forests to be both more resilient to climate change and to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the forest to reduce the cause of climate change. This event is sponsored by the Granville Library, Wildwood Property Owners Association and Tunxis Club Tolland. Register via the library website.

The HUMAN puzzle —– The U in YOU Workshop Wednesday, Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. (Zoom) In this interactive and fun workshop, coach Namrata Mathur will explore what values are, what values are important to YOU and why, how they shape YOU and how they may shift over the course of YOUR life.

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 7

Health director: Town appears to have passed COVID peak COVID | from page 1

we’re getting from them is at this point, with this level of a surge, numbers aren’t really important,” McAuliffe said. “We know that our true number from unreported home tests actually brings us closer to 1,600 cases over the month of January.”

The department has been transitioning into a new phase “where we’re really focusing on hospitalizations, serious illness, trends, clusters and really educational and outreach material,” McAuliffe said. He added that the state recently announced additional regulatory changes for schools and day-cares, and Hopkinton already had started implementing them on its own.

“We’ll be helping the administration, the school nurses and the residents work through this new set of changes where we’re going to a strict five days isolation, five days wearing a mask [for positive cases],” he said. “Kids will be sent home each week with home tests. We’ll be setting up a weekly surveillance program, and we’ll be testing kids who are symptomatic both at home and in the school. So a lot of the responsibilities are going to be actually shifted in some ways out of the Health Department and the school nurses to the parents, and we’ll be working a lot to help everybody through this transition.”

The Health Department continues to offer vaccination clinics each week at Town Hall, and some larger regional clinics are being planned for February.

McAuliffe credited parents in town, noting that the vaccination rate for ages 5-11 is at 94 percent.

“When you look across the board, the residents of Hopkinton responded, they got

their vaccinations, and that’s why I think from a health standpoint we’re in a much better place than a lot of other communities, and an outcome standpoint — we’ve had fantastic outcomes throughout this omicron surge,” he said.

At the Board of Health meeting on Jan. 24, Public Health Nurse Simone Carter noted that many people aren’t sure when they are eligible for boosters.

“The change in messaging that has come down from the feds all the way down to us, people are confused about when that time is and when they can actually get a booster,” she said. “So that’s part of our effort as well, and I feel like we’re doing well with that. Because in this town, based on what you guys have already set up that I just walked into, folks feel really empowered to call their Health Department, and they do. And so they’re able to get information accurately, quickly and we can change it on the ground. But that’s part of what we’re fighting.”

Despite the optimism, McAuliffe encouraged residents to remain vigilant.

“The overarching message is to stay home when you’re ill,” he said. “Test when you’re not feeling well. We’ll be making available home test kits to those who are having difficulty getting them. We need to just take the time to isolate for five days when you’re ill. And then just wear a face covering when you either return from your isolation or, generally speaking, when you’re out in public. Our position is that we in Hopkinton should be following the governor’s recommendation for face coverings, and if we’re doing that, we’re going to reduce our overall risk and we’ll be in a much better place in a couple of weeks.”

Let Me Be Your

Matchmaker whether you’re looking for the home of your dreams or the offer you’ve been dreaming of.

You’ll be glad you did!

SANDY LUCCHESI

508-380-4405 • SandyLHomes.com SandyL@remaxexec.com Hopkinton Realtor since 2004

Select Board lauds Officer Powers upon retirement

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

A

t the Jan. 25 Select Board meeting, retiring Police Officer Phil Powers was recognized for his 34 years of service to the town, primarily as the school resource officer.

“Thank you doesn’t really come close to covering what needs to be said,” Select Board Member Muriel Kramer said. “You’ve served this community for a very long time in a very professional and compassionate and deeply present way. We don’t often talk about the ways that police officers — even in sleepy little towns like Hopkinton — answer really difficult calls, and I know that you have done that. And I know that you have seen families through those difficult times. It’s hard to capture in words what that means to people. You’ve been for a very long time keeping our kids engaged and safe and setting a great example for them up in the schools as the resource officer.”

Added Brendan Tedstone: “You are kind of what molded my perception of what the town is, as far as public safety.

You did it well, you did it great, you did it with tremendous pride. And you showed that it was all right to be a good guy, but when it was time to do your job, you did your job.”

Police Chief Joseph Bennett noted that Powers was his training officer when he started with the town, and the two have remained close since then.

“When I started this job someone said

to me, ‘The most important thing that you can do is stay true to who you are.’ Phil, you have done that,” Bennett said. “You are the same person that I met a few years ago when I was in training. Your care, your empathy — you didn’t let the job change you. And you rode it out to this point where we are today. … He’s still the man he was the day I met him. His care for the community, his giving back to the community, his care for the members of the department, always giving to them and being there for them, I can’t think of a big enough word to describe his contribution.”

Sergeant Tim Brennan credited Powers for being a resource for new officers.

“All these young guys, you’ve been a voice for them and a springboard for them behind years of problems and issues and complaints and concerns,” Brennan said.

“And I don’t know if you ever really knew how much value you added to young officers’ lives.”

Powers, who has reached the mandatory retirement age, said it has been a pleasure working in Hopkinton, and he has learned a great deal from the students with whom he has worked closely.

“I’m going to miss the work, I’m going to miss the job, I’m going to miss the people, I’m going to miss the kids,” he said. “But I’m still going to be around. I still live in town.”

Added Powers, whose final day on the job was Jan. 28: “These past 34 years have been great. If I were ever to do it over again, I would do exactly the same.

No regrets, and I’m sorry I have to leave.”

HopkintonIndependent.com

OPENING DOORS To New Beginnings

“W SANDY LUCCHESI 508-380-4405 www.SandyLHomes.com SandyL@remaxexec.com

Hopkinton Realtor Since 2004

e had a truly great experience with Sandy. When interviewing real estate agents, Sandy stood out as putting in the long hours and thoroughly researching all relevant properties.

Her reasoning and suggestions made a lot of sense. Afterwards, Sandy was always on top of things, always organized, always working hard and always putting her customers first. Her connections with the Town of Hopkinton were instrumental in getting quick permits and her relationships with various professionals allowed us to complete repairs ahead of schedule. It was a pleasure working with Sandy and we could not have asked for a better agent!

”

— July 2020 Hopkinton Seller Housing inventory is historically low.

Call me to discuss what that means for you.

8 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

DISCOUNT HEATING OIL Call for price Same Day Delivery Senior Discounts 150 Gallon Minimum

508-620-6251

WWW.SAMEDAYOIL.COM DISCOUNT HEATING OIL Same Day Delivery Senior Discounts

508-620-6251 Waste Removal and Recycling

Call us for all your waste removal and recycling needs E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc 800-321-3002 • www.elharvey.com WESTON NURSERIES

Women's Wellness Event Saturday, February 12 11am - 4pm

Live your best life in 2022! https://bit.ly/WNwomenswellness

93 East Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 435-3414 www.westonnurseries.com

State Rep. Dykema to depart for job with clean energy company

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

S

tate Rep. Carolyn Dykema, a Holliston Democrat who represents Hopkinton, announced Jan. 31 that she was resigning her post as of Feb. 11.

Dykema, who was elected in 2008 and has served ever since, has taken the position of Northeast policy director with Boston-based solar energy comCarolyn Dykema, shown speaking at Hopkinton’s Pride pany Nexamp.

Parade last June, is stepping down as state representative.

“It’s been the honor of my life her. She has really established sort of to represent the residents of the 8th the gold standard I think for anybody Middlesex District in the Massachuwho follows and tries to fill her pumps. setts legislature,” Dykema shared in a We really do wish her well.” press release. “After 13 years as your Brendan Tedstone said he welState Representative, I’ll be moving comed Dykema’s contributions to the on to a new challenge! While this is an town’s Veterans Celebration Commitexciting opportunity and a promising tee. new chapter, it is bittersweet leaving “She is the epitome of what, in my a role I’ve loved and the wonderful eyes, anybody as a politician should people I’ve been so grateful to serve. aspire to be,” he said. “She is abso“The residents of Holliston, Hoplutely on the ball and rock solid when kinton, Southborough and Westborit comes to the Veterans Celebration ough are remarkable people, and I’ve Committee. And as far as just any been incredibly proud to be your State other issues that I’ve ever had to deal Representative. Your welfare and wellwith her, although we sit on opposite being have always been at the center of ends of the political fence, she does a my work. You trusted me to represent wonderful job bridging — she’s not an you, and I hope I earned that trust every extremist either way, right or left, and day. There are so many thanks to go I think that she’s absolutely everything around and I’ll look forward to speakthat anybody who is in politics from ing with many of you personally in the local to national politics should aspire coming weeks.” to be. She’s a wonderful person, and we Dykema has been a frequent preswill sadly miss her as a state rep, and ence in Hopkinton, and at the Feb. 1 I will sadly miss working with her on Select Board meeting, board members the Veterans Celebration Committee.” sung her praises.

The Massachusetts Speaker of the “I think that we have been so well House will decide whether to hold a and professionally and ably served special election or leave the seat vacant

by Representative Dykema,” Muriel until the November election.

Kramer said. “We certainly will miss

Local author publishes collection of autobiographical stories

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

I

n “One Thousand and One Nights,” a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales commonly known as “Arabian Nights,” the character of Scheherazade is famous for her storytelling abilities, a talent that ultimately saves her life. While absorbing those tales, Hopkinton resident Nanette A. Kenrick thought to herself, “If only I could be like Scheherazade and tell stories about people who were overcoming obstacles and who were able to recover from different experiences.” In the fall of 2021, Kenrick realized her dream by publishing an autobiographical book entitled “Secret Letters to My Psychiatrist.”

As the title suggests, the book includes stories Kenrick initially shared Author | 10

HopkintonIndependent.com

Nanette A. Kenrick shares stories from her therapy sessions in her new book.

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 9

Laborers’ Training Center presents development details to Planning Board

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

he Planning Board met for more than three hours Jan. 31 as representatives from the Massachusetts Laborers’ Training Center gave an overview of their site construction plans, which include a new headquarters building and an updated dormitory.

Attorney George Connors represented the applicant and gave a presentation on the plans for development of the 135-acre campus located at 37 East Street, which currently contains several buildings.

“At this point in time, the facility has become overcrowded,” he explained, noting that the curriculum for the students has expanded over time to include the handling of hazardous waste and gasoline.

The Conti dormitory, located at the front of the site, currently has 33 doubleoccupancy rooms. It is targeted for conversion into 45 single-occupancy rooms and expansion toward the street as well as near a fire pond, which Connors said will be dredged. The kitchen will be renovated and expanded as well.

There is a common septic system for all the buildings on the site. A new well

by Laurel Canyon Drive will replace the individual wells, which Connors said only would be used for landscape irrigation. There will be stormwater mitigation measures put into place.

The proposed headquarters is where classes will take place. There will be offices for administrators as well as an amphitheater.

Nearby, the aptly named Crane Building will have a dirt floor and a high ceiling where students practice excavation with a crane.

“The area where the Crane Building is is a former gravel removal operation,” Connors said. “We chose that because it was fairly open, and it was fairly low on the site.”

He added that the intention was that the building not be intrusive to neighbors along Laurel Canyon Drive. In front of the building will be a flower meadow previously approved by the Conservation Commission on land that previously had been disturbed. That area had been populated by invasive species, which were removed.

Architect John Racine presented the renderings for the three buildings.

The Conti building will be extended with a two-story residence addition, he explained. Because of COVID-19, the dining area will be expanded. There will be new carpets, ceilings and wallpaper for the existing building.

“We’re excited to move this project forward,” he said. “We’ve been working on it for some time now.”

The addition, Racine said, is at least 60 feet from the street, with a stone veneer. The siding of the stairwell will be made with aluminum composite material to “modernize it and bring the elements together.” There will be wood-like composite laminating used there as well as at the administration building.

The area, including the courtyard, will have a “campus-like feel,” according to Racine, “and the rooms where the students will stay during their week of training are “hotel-like.” There will be a workout facility as well.

The headquarters will contain a large classroom that can be divided with partitions. There will be a small café, an amphitheater, conference room and administrative space on the second floor.

The lecture hall will have 75 seats.

“I’m super excited to see the invest-

The Massachusetts Laborers’ Training Center on East Street, which hosts the New England Laborers’ Training Academy, is seeking to add a new headquarters and expand its dormitory.

ment you’ve made in the site,” said Chair Gary Trendel, noting the significant upgrades.

The Planning Board planned a site walk on Feb. 5.

Town Principal Planner John Gelcich noted that two permits are required: a site permit and a stormwater management permit. The only waiver requested is for sidewalks along the frontage of the property. He noted that most of the changes are internal to the site.

During the public comment period, concerns were brought forth by abutter Michael Rottas about the current conditions, including what he considered to be noise pollution and light pollution at night. He wanted to provide comments “in a constructive way.”

“One of the things we like most about living on East Street is the quietness,” he said, “especially when we always sleep with the windows open, even in the wintertime.” However, he said the existing Planning Board | 10

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS FEBRUARY MUSIC NEWS

Feb. 12 | 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

An Evening With Ralph Graham A “voice like chocolate”… that is how many of Ralph Graham’s fans have described the silken, baritone vocal style of this renowned singer, songwriter and former RCA recording artist. AND just in time for Valentine’s Day— we have a great date-night treat or girls/guys night-out option. For an additional add-on ticket price you can enjoy table seating in front of the stage, a FREE first drink, and a dessert!

Feb. 17 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Gay Perkoski In Concert Gay is a singer/songwriter from southeastern Massachusetts. Her sound is a bluesy combination of rootsy rock and soul which reflects her love of the many artists who have influenced her...James Taylor, The Allman Brothers, The Beatles, Carole King, Stevie Nicks, Norah Jones, Journey, and many more.

Although she sings covers of these artists, her original music presents unique lyrics, observations, and reflections from many different influences in her life.

Feb. 26 | 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Delta Generators Winning awards and playing to sold-out shows across New England and beyond, the Boston-based Delta Generators have made quite a name for themselves since hitting the scene in 2008. Their music brings together their diverse musical influences, drawing on the traditions of Blues, Roots, R&B, Americana and Rock to create a sound uniquely their own. This is one show you do not want to miss.

98 Hayden Rowe St. | Hopkinton | Tickets: www.HopArtsCenter.org HopkintonIndependent.com

10 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

Local author publishes collection of autobiographical stories Author | from page 8

with her psychiatrist during therapy sessions. “I was so garbled in the way I told it and was so emotional that I wanted to write it down in a concrete way,” Kenrick shares, “so that anyone can understand what I was talking about.” The book covers topics like career challenges, the loss of family members, unemployment, community connections and mental health.

Kenrick, an alumna of Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough and Worcester State University, now is an active resident of Hopkinton, where she is involved with the Historical Society, Hopkinton Public Library, Senior Center and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Much of Kenrick’s book focuses on job transitions, a topic that has been widely discussed during the upheavals of the pandemic. She has been laid off a number of times and

hasn’t been able to solidify a career as a librarian, a vocation she studied at the University of Denver. “But I was happy to get the jobs I got,” she reflects, “and I discovered new things about my talents and abilities.”

“Failure and success are temporary,” Kenrick writes in the book.

Over the course of her life she had earned various titles and promotions, “but it didn’t stop people from laying me off,” she explains. Kenrick thought she was going to be a “failure” because she didn’t have a “big, successful title,” but she came to realize a title “really wasn’t important.

It was achieving and being able to recover,” she says.

One of the reasons Kenrick wrote “Secret Letters to My Psychiatrist” was because of the prejudice she experienced when others found out she was seeing a psychiatrist, especially in the 1970s and ’80s. During the pandemic, Kenrick says she has ob-

served a cultural shift when it comes to encouraging people to seek help for mental health concerns. She hopes that this book will be an alternative to media depictions that show people with mental health issues as being frightening or violent.

Because of this stigma, Kenrick originally planned to publish the book using a pseudonym, but she thought about the people in her church and decided she wanted them to know her stories. “I was brave,” she says of the decision.

By being open, Kenrick hopes that readers will see that therapy is “a good thing … like medicine [or] seeing a doctor. It’s a regular part of life.” If you know of someone who is receiving mental health services, “treat them with love,” she encourages.

“Secret Letters to My Psychiatrist” is available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble for $12.95.

PLUMBING • AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING Keeping your eyes happy & healthy!

Residential and Commercial

JOYCE

Welcoming New Patients FRtimEateEs

Es d& Licensreed Insu

Dr. Steven Perryman and the office team

508-497-6344

joyceplumbingandheating.com

Stone Work Specialists

508.435.3911 Office/Fax

Serving Hopkinton Since 1999

• • • •

Quality/Detailed Eye Exams Contact Lens Fitting Optical Shop and Lab Dry Eye Specialist

• LASIK Consultations • Emergency Eye Care • Accepts AllWays™ Insurance

Schedule an appointment today!

10 Cedar Street, Hopkinton (across from Post Office)

HopkintonVision.com | 508.435.4711

HOPKINTON HOME IMPROVEMENT GENERAL REPAIRS INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING Winter Services

SnowCleaning Plowing&&Repairs Roof Snow Removal • Gutter

•CARPENTRY Power Washing • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING ••Deck Replacement & Repairs Window & Door Replacement ••Wood Flooring Installation Kitchen & Bathroom

Design, Maintenance & Construction

www.scottslandscaping.org

Less Wait Time, More Face Time.

We can see you first at Northeast Dermatology Associates!

Remodeling • Window & Door Replacement Wood •Flooring Decks ••Siding Roofs ••Masonry Siding •&Roofs • Masonry ••Kitchen Bathroom Remodeling • Power Washing ••Basement Finishing Gutter Repairs & Cleaning

• Basement Finishing Detailed & Detailed &Meticulous Meticulous Reasonable Rates Reasonable Rates

Accepting new patients of all ages.

Call Mauricio

Call 508-625-0606 or visit nedermatology.com to schedule.

508.202.8602

22 South Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748

FULLY INSURED

MA HIC.#169427

HopkintonIndependent.com

Laborers’ Training Center presents development details to Planning Board Planning Board | from page 9

fans hum throughout the night, and he asked for noise abatement.

The lighting was Rottas’s main concern.

“The lights are kept on all night, every night,” he said. “To say that the existing lighting is similar to Gillette Stadium is not an exaggeration.”

Phil Paradis of BETA Group, the town’s engineering consultant, said that three other plans previously submitted to the Conservation Commission should be included at the Planning Board’s next meeting, which include plans for the electrical system, the fire pond and the restoration area.

The hearing was continued until the next meeting on Feb. 7.

Pedestrian connectivity survey results shared Trendel presented the results of a pedestrian connectivity survey, the other major topic of discussion. The objective of the web-based survey was to understand the preferences and needs that walkers, runners and bikers consider to be priorities. There were 368 respondents.

He stressed that this survey was not undertaken because of the current proposal for a MassTrails grant by the Upper Charles Trail Committee, which held a meeting Feb. 2 “No surprise here, but more than 85 percent of respondents believe that more trails and sidewalks will improve both their mental and physical health,” Trendel said. Residents wanted investment in sidewalks and trails, both paved and gravel.

Runners and walkers preferred loops of three to four miles, while bikers suggested loops for them. Most users would like to use trails and sidewalks for fitness activities and to travel to neighboring communities. Eighty-six percent of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that they avoid exercising near major roads.

The highest preference was for paved sidewalks and paths off the road, but all surfaces were considered.

“It doesn’t really matter what the surface is,” Trendel said of the results, “as long as they are not having to run in the streets.”

Trendel will bring the survey results forward to other boards and committees for feedback over February and March. After that, areas of focus will be prioritized, and public meetings will be convened.

Land donation to go before Town Meeting In other news, the proposed land donation from the Chamberlain-Whelan development project was voted to be added to the Town Meeting warrant. The open space was promised as part of the approval of the subdivision. It was approved unanimously, although Trendel (an abutter) recused himself from the vote.

A procedural conditional approval amendment was endorsed in like fashion, as were related forms for the release of the 29 lots to be sold.

Also, the Turkey Ridge Estates conditional approval agreement was endorsed by all members.

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 11

Older students with disabilities develop business skills via Niche Hop Shop Hop Shop | from page 1

independent in the community,” Hibbert explained. “In addition to exploring vocational opportunities, the students go shopping and learn how to cook and to dress professionally for work.”

Previously held at the high school, the 18-22 program has existed in this location for three years, thanks to support from Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and the School Committee, according to Hibbert.

Director of Student Services Karen Zaleski said an 18-22 committee was formed after the program moved locations. Comprised of parents, educators and a student representative, the committee formulated the idea of starting a business.

“We wanted to decide what was the best way to advance the skills of the students so that they can have a nice opportunity to connect with the community as they work on their post-secondary goals and vocational opportunities,” Zaleski said. “The parents on our committee have great backgrounds on the ins and outs of business.”

One member she recognized is Jennifer Halliday, who created two T-shirt designs for suicide prevention month this past September with her son, Dee. Even the program’s name was a collaborative effort.

“We were trying as a committee to come up with a name for the business and were working with the students on it,” Zaleski explained. “When we thought about it, we decided that it was really about helping students find their niche, if you will. They are finding out

“We are a business that sells T-shirts, beanies and other stuff,” said Max McNamara, the student representative. “We put their names on the bags, package up their items, and give the bag to the customer when they come to pick it up. When I see the customers, it makes me feel proud to give them the things that they ordered. My favorite part is telling people about our items.”

Hibbert said the students “play a huge role” in the success of the Niche Hop Shop.

One of the greatest lessons students learn is the skill of customer interaction.

“Vocational exploration is a big part of our program,” she said. “We were able to Students Liam Finnegan (left) and Julian Tatro learn how to make the T-shirts model two of the Niche Hop Shop T-shirt designs. and about the silk-screening process through Jen Halliday.

After that we also did a tour of a silk-screening business that operates how they were going to connect beyond on a large scale. Then we were able to the four walls of the white house and go out into the community and see what find their niche and their skill sets to a bigger business would look like.” serve the broader community.”

They unpackage the boxes when At the Niche Hop Shop, students the T-shirts come in, fold them up using trace designs on T-shirts to give each folding boards and monitor the busione an individual flair. They also unpack ness. The School Committee recently the delivery boxes, fold the T-shirts on approved the 18-22 program having a a folding board, and prepare the orders credit card account to facilitate item for pickup. Students designed the shop ordering. logo, which appears on every product.

“There’s a lot that goes into the “It’s that imperfect perfection that business,” Hibbert said.” It’s giving the makes our T-shirts so beautiful,” Hibstudents so many skills that they can bert said.

transfer into other positions out in the greater Hopkinton community that they can transfer into real-world opportunities, whether it’s customer services or being involved in the packaging.”

Before the holiday season, beanies and T-shirts promoting kindness and Hopkinton quickly sold out. The students now are working on ideas for their spring line of items. Some students went to the high school to market their products.

School principals helped by advertising the Niche Hop Shop in their newsletters. The 18-22 students currently are developing a social media platform to market their goods and have learned to use QR codes.

“Some of the students even went to local businesses to talk to them and ask if they could put up flyers,” added Hibbert.

At the white house, a mannequin wearing one of the T-shirts appears in the front window greeting those who pass.

“Our goal is to grow the business and to provide as many opportunities as possible,” Zaleski said.

“It’s exciting, and the students are so proud of their work,” Hibbert added.

“The great part is that the students are finding different aspects of the business that they enjoy. We are so very proud of the work our students have put into creating our incredible new business.”

To view items from the Niche Hop Shop, go to www.myschoolbucks.com/ ver2/stores/catalog/getlistproducts?cli entKey=ZZJJYFMED20T6LV&reque stAction=ViewAll.

“An absolute must see for history lovers!”

- Google Review

Bring this ad with you and get $2 off one adult admission!

568 Main Street, Hudson, MA (978) 562-9182 www.AmericanHeritageMuseum.org HopkintonIndependent.com

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

Boston Marathon organizers praise Hopkinton B

oston Marathon organizers appeared before the Select Board on Feb. 1 to receive a parade permit for the April 18 event — the 126th ruling of the prestigious race — and gushed about their relationship with Hopkinton.

“We are immensely grateful for the opportuNEWS nity to work with all of BRIEFS you year after year,” Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Grilk told the board before the permit received unanimous approval. “It is a relationship unlike any other not only in the world of sport but in the world of anything, to have an event that operates on a world stage done in conjunction with a municipality, with a town that looks like nothing if not America to people around the world.”

Grilk said the BAA’s objective for 2022 is “an enhanced experience for everybody, over what we all did in 2021.”

He said vaccination requirements will be implemented for participants, volunteers,

medical staff and vendors who have direct interactions with participants and volunteers.

“We certainly affirm our commitment to do everything we can to make this be the best experience it can for the town, for residents of the town, in every way,” Grilk said. “We confirm and affirm our financial support which will be forthcoming in the normal course of such things in the very early part of March in this, the second Boston Marathon in sixth months. It is a rather breathless experience for a great many of us, I’m sure.”

COO Jack Fleming, after noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first official women’s division in 1972, said the athletes village behind the high school/middle school will be similar to what it was in 2019 — prior to the pandemic — although the BAA is hoping to move athletes through the area more quickly and efficiently.

The race start also will be similar to 2019, with set times starting at 9:30 a.m.,

Preschool – High School Math and Reading Program

LEARNING CENTERS

FREE Registration!*

and the first wave start at 10 a.m. For last fall’s race, organizers went with a rolling start to limit participants standing around in close proximity to each other.

The last official starter should cross the start line by 11:30 a.m., Fleming said, with the roads reopening by 1 p.m.

Grilk offered thanks to the Hopkinton Marathon Committee and other volunteer groups in town.

“There is nothing like it in the world of marathoning anywhere else,” he said of the groups’ contributions. “You don’t find that in New York, in London, in Chicago, in Berlin, in Tokyo. There’s not the citizens group that drives it forward.

There are very few things in this world that are a singularity. This is one.”

Fruit Street bridge fully closed for about a year The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced that the

MAIN STREET SERVICE CENTER Complete Auto Service

Up to a $50 Value Enroll between February 1 – 28

Kumon Math and Reading Centers of Hopkinton Westborough Main Street Mall 77 Main Street Hopkinton, MA 01748

18 Lyman Street Store #700 Westborough, MA 07581

pamelabanson@ikumon.com 508-435-0273

pamelabanson@ikumon.com 508-870-3133

* Enroll between February 1-28, 2022, to waive the Registration Fee of up to $50. See Center for applicable terms and conditions. ©2022 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Computerized Diagnostics Foreign & American . Wheel Alignment Complete Air Conditioning Service Road Service . Towing Tune-ups . Brakes . Tires Massachusetts State Inspection Station

508-435-9038 96 MAIN STREET, Hopkinton (Rte 135) 39 years in business 1982-2022

CHRISTINE’S NAILS of Hopkinton

Express Yourself!

IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS

Earn top pay and benefits!

Experienced Oil & Propane Drivers CDL with tank & hazmat endorsements required.

Experienced Service Technicians Looking for a New Career?

Training provided for Oil & Propane Drivers and Service Technicians.

Book online at christinesnail.com or call for an appointment Walk-ins welcome

508-435-0222

22 South Street, Hopkinton

Email resume: Jeffrey@medwayoil.com or Michael@medwayoil.com Medway Oil & Propane, 37 Broad St., Medway, MA 02053 HopkintonIndependent.com

Fruit Street bridge over the MBTA/ CSX Railroad and the Sudbury River in Hopkinton and Westborough was to close on Monday, Feb. 7. The bridge is expected to remain closed until the spring of 2023 in order to facilitate bridge construction operations as part of the $12.5 million bridge replacement project.

During the work, traffic will be directed to follow detour signage, using Route 9 and Route 135 for access.

Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution.

Misc.: Lykan Bioscience TIF close At the Feb. 1 Select Board meeting, Town Manager Norman Khumalo said there would be a presentation to the board at its next meeting regarding the proposed tax increment finance (TIF) agreement with Lykan Bioscience, after a tentative agreement was reached. Lykan is looking to expand its headquarters on South Street. …

The Select Board approved a parade permit for the Maspenock Mile Road Race, which is scheduled for Friday, May 27, at 6 p.m. The race will begin and end at Sandy Beach, and no road closures have been requested.

The nonprofit event is expected to have about 30 participants, race director Chris Stevenson said. …

Michelle Murdock was designated as a records access officer for the Police Department. Khumalo explained that she will handle the work while the town seeks to fill a position whose responsibilities include that task. …

Ilana Casady and Amy Groves were appointed to the Cultural Council — with whom they already serve — to terms that expire Jan. 29, 2025. …

The Select Board voted to accept a gift of $1,000 from TSG Enterprises LLC to the Marathon Fund Committee in memory of longtime resident Fred Murphy, who died Jan. 1. …

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

Antiques Purchased Cleaning Out? Downsizing?

Looking to declutter?

Let me help you find value in your possessions.

Wanted: items of interest and curiosity - Free Housecalls - 7 Days a Week - Friendly Prompt Service Buying since 1984

Call Bert 617-733-8863

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 13

Senior Snippets The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services check Ourseniorcenter.com/find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Thrift Store

The thrift store is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Transportation Programs for Seniors

The Senior Center offers transportation to and from the Senior Center as well as local shopping Tuesdays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents. The Senior Center also can help residents find transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping. Anyone interested should call the Senior Center to learn more about the transportation options.

Lunch Program

Meals are back in person at the Senior Center. Individuals should call to sign up at least two days in advance. The cost is $5 per meal, or a pre-purchased ticket for five meals is $20. The Senior Center website has the full lunch menu.

Rubber Duck Soap Craft Class

Monday, Feb. 14, 1 p.m.

Each participant will make their own soapy creation using glycerin-based soap.

The process doesn’t involve traditional soap-making techniques, so there is no lye exposure. Once the soap is slightly cooled, participants will add cosmetic grade glitter, colors, essential oil (optional) and one’s choice of a variety of rubber duckies to embellish and decorate. The cost is $8 per person. Space is limited.

Cultural Conversations: Easter Island: Myth and Reality

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m. (virtual) Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands in the world, full of enigmas and mysteries. Attendees will discover the secrets of its famous statues and the people that carved them in this journey through the history of this island and the rich culture that developed in isolation. Call the Senior Center for the link.

WE ARE YOUR RELIABLE INSURANCE NEIGHBOR

Outreach Services

The Senior Center has an Outreach Department. The department can help identify assistance programs (including fuel assistance), loan durable medical equipment, help with transportation and much more. Anyone looking for assistance or more information about services should call to make an appointment.

Exercise Classes

All classes now are in person, and due to generous support from Friends of Hopkinton Seniors Inc., fitness classes are free in January and February Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

Exercise with Linda, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.

Stretch class, Tuesdays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Balance & Flexibility, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

Exercise with Joni, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Tai chi, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Zumba, Fridays, 9:15 a.m.

Chi gong, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Meditation, alternating Fridays, noon (call for schedule)

Art Appreciation: Famous Impressions

Thursday, Feb. 10, 1 p.m.

This presentation will focus on some of the world’s most famous impressionist artists, including Monet, Renoir and Degas, addressing what they believed, how they worked and how their creations stirred the art world, inspiring so many artists and individuals who followed — especially the post-impressionists.

With our With our With our

YOU YOU YOU YOUnique

nique nique mortgage options, mortgage options, nique With our

your dreams can mortgage options, your dreams can mortgage options, cometrue. true. your dreams can come yourtrue. dreams can come come true.

If you’re looking to refinance or buy a home, we offer mortgage solutions that are At to Charles River Bank, Consultants will provide the that are If you’re nique. looking refinance or buyoura Mortgage home, we offer mortgage solutions nique banking experience. expertise you need and a truly

O

ur family-owned and operated independent agency offers only competitively priced and time-tested insurance products designed to fit your individual needs. Specializing in home, auto, business, condo and renters insurance since our establishment in 1950, our agency is deeply rooted in the communities we serve and committed to providing the very best of value for your hard-earned dollars. Whether new to the area or a lifelong resident you will benefit from the sound advice provided by our professional service advisers.

Work with people you can trust: Letty, Brian, Julie, Mike and Amy. Not pictured: Nicole.

YOU

YOUour Mortgage Consultants will provide the nique. At Charles River Bank, If you’re to and refinance or Mortgage buynique a home, we offer mortgage solutions Talk looking with Charles River Bank Consultant today, or visit our online that are banking experience. expertise you aneed a truly nique.

At Charles River Bank, our Mortgage Consultants will provide the that are nique.

Mortgage Center anytime.

We’ll show you why Charles River Bank is If you’re looking to refinance or buy a home, we offer mortgage solutions YOUour Talk with you a Charles River BankRiver Mortgage Consultant today, or visitwill online the nique our banking experience. expertise need At and a truly nique.

Charles Bank, Mortgage Consultants provide YOU nique.

Mortgage Center anytime. younique why Charles Bank is banking River experience. expertise you need We’ll and a show truly YOU 508-533-8661 Talk with a Charles River Bank Mortgage Consultant today, or visit our online 70 Main Street • anytime. nique.

Mortgage Center you why Charles River Bankorisvisit our Talk with Medway a Charles We’ll River show Bank Mortgage Consultant today, online

YOU YOU

YOU YOU

YOU YOU 2 South Maple Street • Bellingham 508-533-8661 Mortgage Center anytime. We’ll show you why Charles River Bank is 1 Hastings Street • Mendon 70 Main Street • Medway 508-533-8661 NMLS# 743045 2 South Maple Street • Bellingham 508-533-8661 70 Main Street • Medway 1 Hastings Street • Mendon 70 Main Street • Medway 2 South Maple Street • Bellingham South•Maple Street • Bellingham Mendon 1 Hastings2Street NMLS# 743045 1 Hastings Street • Mendon

Member FDIC, Member SIF

YOUnique.

(508) 435-6388 80 Main Street, Hopkinton www.PhippsInsurance.com

www.charlesriverbank.com

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC, Member SIF

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC, Member SIF

Equal Housing Lender

Member DIF MemberFDIC, FDIC,Member Member SIF

Contact us today!

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 743045 NMLS# 743045

www.charlesriverbank.com www.charlesriverbank.com www.charlesriverbank.com

HOME • CONDO • RENTER • AUTO • BUSINESS HopkintonIndependent.com

14 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

BUSINESS PROFILES: ADVERTISER FEATURES

Fitzgerald Real Estate brings integrity to a complex industry

John Fitzgerald is the proud owner of his own real estate company in town, which gives him more freedom to help customers rather than focus on the bottom line.

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

I

n the fall of 2020, Hopkinton resident John Fitzgerald realized his ambition of becoming a broker and small business owner with the launch of Fitzgerald Real Estate. Fitzgerald says his years of experience working as an agent for a corporate real estate office helped him realize that he would be able to better serve and educate clients by being his own broker.

As a real estate broker, Fitzgerald

can work independently, hire other agents and adjust his commission. Fitzgerald notes that his fee is “negotiable,” explaining that there is no standard commission rate in Massachusetts. If he sells a house quickly with minimal effort, for example, he might not charge a full commission, unlike agents beholden to corporate real estate agencies. This ability to be both flexible and candid with clients is important to Fitzgerald.

As a local who’s passionate about investing in Hopkinton, Fitzgerald values

community connections. Recently, he was selected to serve on the 2022 Community Service Committee, a Greater Boston Association of Realtors group.

Fitzgerald also volunteers in the schools, serving as the coach of his son’s middle school robotics team. When Fitzgerald heard that the TV show “This Old House” was looking for homeowners to help, he connected them with a Hopkinton family who needed a fence to keep their kids and puppy safe from a backyard pond.

When it comes to being forthright with his clients, fees aren’t the only thing up for discussion. “For a lot of people, this is just a paycheck,” Fitzgerald says of the industry. “They don’t care as long as the deal gets done.” Fitzgerald, on the other hand, says he has talked people out of selling their homes. He cites as one example a couple who was going to run out of money after six years if they sold their home and moved into a rental.

Rather than making the sale, Fitzgerald connected them with a financial professional and reached out to the couple’s adult children to suggest improvements to their parents’ current home.

Another benefit to working with a local broker like Fitzgerald, he says, is

that “the money stays in Hopkinton” rather than going to a corporate office out of town.

People have told Fitzgerald that he’s not “salesy,” and he concurs: “That’s never been my personality.” It’s a cutthroat business, Fitzgerald says, but his approach is anything but ruthless. “Everybody knows in their gut the difference between right and wrong,” Fitzgerald says, referring to unscrupulous behavior he has seen in real estate. “I like putting my head on my pillow at night and sleeping,” he adds. “I like setting an example for my son.”

Reflecting on his work and the industry, Fitzgerald says, “I just want people to be treated fairly.” In an effort to develop more integrity-focused agents, Fitzgerald plans to open his own real estate school in the future. “I want to help them grow their business,” he says. “I’m going to be right there next to them, showing them how this is done.”

To learn more, visit 508fitz.com or call 508-245-2334.

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

Law firm Nealon, Nealon & Click adds partner, moves to Main Street

Women’s Health for Every Stage of Life Focused on the healthcare concerns of women of all ages, we help patients with: Family Planning • Fertility • Laparoscopic Surgery • Menopause Pregnancy & Childbirth • Routine & Complex Gynecologic Care

The staff at Nealon, Nealon & Click includes (from left), Thomas P. Nealon, Timothy P. Nealon, Jack C. Nealon, Mary Kathleen Nealon, J. Timothy Nealon and David M. Click.

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

A Debra Cohn DO

Melissa Palma MD

Veronica Camara

MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC

For an appointment, please call 508-321-2840 Affiliated with The Maternity Center at Milford Regional

169 West Main Street • Hopkinton, MA 508-321-2840 • milfordregionalphysicians.org Member of the Milford Regional Healthcare System Follow us on Facebook @MilfordRegionalPhysicianGroup

fter 30 years, the Nealon & Nealon family law firm is both moving and expanding. With the addition of family member David Click as partner, the law office has become Nealon, Nealon & Click and relocated to the heart of Hopkinton. The growing firm is “very excited” to welcome clients to its new 85 Main Street location, says Tom Nealon, one of the current partners along with Timothy P. Nealon.

The firm handles a wide range of cases, including real estate, elder law, family law, civil litigation, land use, estate administration and small business representation. With the addition of Click in January and Jack Nealon last summer, Nealon, Nealon & Click now has a total of six practicing attorneys. Collectively, the support staff has more than 75 years of experience.

This background paired with the group’s breadth of case expertise make the firm well suited to serve the community, Tom

HopkintonIndependent.com

Nealon says.

“What we take pride in,” says attorney Kathy Nealon, “is being able to assist clients with what initially appear to be overwhelming circumstances for them and our ability to get them through.” Cases involving family law and elder law, for example, “can be quite emotional,” she says.

The Nealon and Click families have been engaged with the Hopkinton community for many years. Kathy Nealon, for example, was involved in the Hopkinton Friends of the Seniors fundraising group. Tom Nealon has served on the Hopkinton School Committee and town building committees. Jack Nealon previously served as interim director of the town’s Parks & Recreation Department and is one of the founders of the charitable housing organization Live4Evan.

Kathy Nealon says the civic engagement quality among her family members is “absolutely an outcome of our parents’ enormous involvement and Nealon & Nealon | 15

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 15

What Are Your Financial Resolutions For 2022?

By Christopher Stevenson Edward Jones Financial Advisor

A

s you know, 2021 was full of challenges.

We were still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains shut down and inflation heated up.

So, if you’re like many people, you might not be sorry to see the year come to a close. But now it’s time to look ahead to a brighter 2022. And on a personal level, you may want to set some N e w Ye a r ’s resolutions.

Yo u m i g h t PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T resolve to improve your health and diet, and possibly learn some new skills, but why not make some financial resolutions, too?

Professional

INSIGHTS

Here are a few ideas to consider: Prepare for the unexpected. If you haven’t already created an emergency fund, now may be a good time to start.

Ideally, you’d like to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in this fund, with the money kept in a lowrisk, liquid account. (If you’re retired, you may want your emergency fund to contain up to a year’s worth of living expenses.) Once you’ve got this fund established, you may be able to avoid dipping into long-term investments to pay for short-term needs, such as costly home or auto repairs or large medical bills.

Boost your retirement savings. The pandemic caused many of us to reevaluate our ability to eventually enjoy the retirement lifestyles we’ve envisioned.

In fact, 33% of those planning to retire soon said they started to contribute even more to their retirement savings during the pandemic, according to a study from Age Wave and Edward Jones. This year, if you can afford it, increase your

contributions to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Reduce your debt load. The less debt you carry, the more money you’ll have available to support your lifestyle today and save and invest for tomorrow.

So, this year, resolve to cut down on your existing debts and avoid taking on new ones whenever possible. You can motivate yourself by measuring your progress – at the beginning of 2022, record your total debts and then compare this figure to your debt load at the start of 2023. If the numbers have dropped, you’ll know you were making the right moves.

Don’t overreact to the headlines. A lot can happen during a year. Consider inflation – it shot up in 2021, but it may well subside in 2022. If you changed your investment strategy last year to accommodate the rise in inflation, would you then have to modify it again when prices fall? And inflation is just one event. What about changes in interest rates? How about new legislation coming out of Washington? And don’t forget extreme weather events, such as wildfires and floods. Any or all of these occurrences can affect the financial markets in the short term, but it just doesn’t make sense for you to keep changing the way you invest in response to the news of the day. Instead, stick with a strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You may need to adjust this strategy over time, in response to changes in your own life, but don’t let your decisions be dictated by external events.

These aren’t the only financial resolutions you can make – but following them may help you develop positive habits that can help you face the future with confidence.

also of our grandfather.” Joseph Sullivan, grandfather of Kathy, J. Timothy and Tom Nealon and great-grandfather of David Click, Timothy P. and Jack Nealon, was part of the initial installation of Hopkinton’s modern-day Water Department in the 1930s.

Kathy’s father, Robert T. Nealon, became the town clerk in 1951, a job he assumed after the sudden death of the previous clerk. “There was a knock on our door on Church Street,” Kathy Nealon recalls. “The quote-unquote ‘town fathers’ came and said to our father, ‘Bob, would you be willing to take on the town clerk?’ ” Twenty years later, on Jan. 29, 1971, Robert’s wife stepped up to the plate upon his passing. Mary “Bunnie” Nealon went on to serve as

Find a gift for that special person

Cards Chocolates Flowers Sweetnesses for all

52 Main Street, Hopkinton • (508) 435.4441

If you need assistance with your financial resolutions contact: Christopher Stevenson Edward Jones Financial Adviser 77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 774-991-0781 Christoper.Stevenson@edwardjones.com THE AUTHOR IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTENT OF THIS COLUMN WHICH IS BEING PRESENTED FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES.

Law firm Nealon, Nealon & Click adds partner, moves to Main Street Nealon & Nealon | from page 14

ValentinesDay

town clerk from 1971 to 1997.

While continuing to honor the family’s history, the firm is looking to the future with excitement. “Being able to practice as a larger firm allows us to take on more clients,” Jack Nealon says.

“Sometimes small firms struggle with bandwidth, whereas that’s something we’re really looking forward to — taking on new, different types of matters because we have that much more experience and capacity.”

To learn more, call 508-435-5000 or stop by the Nealon, Nealon & Click office at 85 Main Street. The firm also has an office at 509 Falmouth Road in Mashpee.

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

Whether you’re building or buying a new home, want to make improvements to your current home or looking to refinance, we have

the loan you need.

Our experts have been serving the financial needs of the community for over 150 years!

Call or email Dave for competitive rates for conventional and jumbo mortgages today!

Dave Sampson

VP, Mortgage Consultant David.Sampson@unibank.com 508.849.4323 • NMLS #688948

Connecting all offices: 1.800.578.4270 • www.unibank.com UniBank NMLS #583135 • Member FDIC/Member DIF

HopkintonIndependent.com

16 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

Sports Hillers boys track relies on depth during challenging season Assisting the Affluent With Key Financial Concerns • Investment Consulting • Wealth Enhancement • Wealth Transfer • Wealth Protection • Charitable giving

Investable Assets: $1,000,000+

508-435-1281

www.blackstonevalleywealth.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, a registered investment advisor. Private Advisor Group and Blackstone Valley Wealth Management, LLC. are separate entities from LPL Financial.

Attention Athletes!!

Looking for rehab with professionals who understand the movement demands of your sport?

Let us help you get back to the sport you love sooner!

Call to schedule an appointment today:

508-544-1540

1 Lumber Street, Suite 201, Hopkinton 196 E. Main Street, Milford (in The Gym) 15 West Union Street, Ashland www.platinumptma.com

PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Stay Warm This Winter Call us Today to Service Your Heating System We offer 0% interest for 7 years under Mass Save.

Service Work • Repairs • Boilers Water Heaters • Remodeling • New Construction Air Conditioning • Heat Pumps • Mini-Splits

508-875-3413 • ShahoodPlumbing.com 35 Main Street-Rear, Hopkinton Fully licensed and insured

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

he start of 2022 marks the third calendar year that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., and the Hopkinton High School boys indoor track and field team has felt the impact of the ongoing health crisis. Despite losing numerous athletes for stretches of time due to virus protocols, the Hillers won five straight dual meets to capture the Tri-Valley League championship.

“The kids are running well and competing well, especially given the number of days we have lost to COVID,” coach Mike Donahue said.

Donahue estimates the number of athlete days lost to be well into the hundreds. When one athlete tests positive, he is out for at least five days and needs a note from a doctor in order to return. Some Hillers have been out for close to half the season.

What has kept Hopkinton not only competitive but at the top of the standings, has been depth. The Hillers have around 100 athletes — about twice as many as the next-largest team in the TVL. “We would make out our lineup on a Monday and, by the time the meet comes around, we’ve changed 50 percent of it because people are out,” Donahue said.

Fortunately and most importantly, no one has been really sick, the coach said. And Hopkinton has still dominated its competition in the TVL. “We have a lot of young guys and a really strong junior class,” Donahue said. “And our freshman and sophomore groups have been really good.”

Junior captain Sean Golembiewski has been the best athlete on the roster. He is the top hurdler in New England and the best high jumper in Massachusetts. Golembiewski entered the dash to work

on his sprints and ran the top time in the league. He then did the same thing in the 300 meters.

Declan Mick, a fellow junior captain, is the TVL’s second-best hurdler, and sophomore twins Will and Drew Bialobrzeski are also among the 10 best in the league, giving the Hillers unmatched depth in the hurdles. Junior Neil Abraham has one of the faster times in the TVL in the dash.

Senior Colin Davan is the team’s top runner in the 600 and junior Wyatt Ruff is the league’s top runner in the 1,000 and among the best in both the 600 and the 2 mile.

“He is probably our strongest distance runner,” Donahue said of Ruff.

The distance events also have been buoyed by sophomore Ben Scott and senior Matt Burdulis.

Despite missing time during the winter, senior Riley Finnegan is the second-best shot putter in the TVL. Donahue said that the Hillers are in a good position to capture the TVL showcase meet and then will turn their attention to the divisional state competition. The teams in Division 2 are tough, including powerhouses like North Andover and Catholic Memorial, but Donahue is hoping for a top-five finish and said that is within reach.

Golembiewski will be competing on the national level following the season, Donahue added, and there could be other Hillers joining him if they finish the year strong.

The talented junior class could allow Hopkinton to turn some heads at the divisional state meet and potentially set the Hillers up to compete for a crown next winter.

“Next year, we might have a window, we might have an opportunity,” Donahue said. “I think we will be a team that people look at and say, ‘Wow, where did they come from?’ ”

HHS boys basketball goes on winning streak

T

he Hopkinton High School boys basketball team started February the way it ended January — in winning fashion.

The host Hillers knocked off a strong Medfield team on Feb. 1 by SPORTS a score of 58-51, giving the Hillers ROUNDUP their seventh straight win and improving their record to 9-3.

The Hillers held a one-point lead with just over two minutes remaining, then took control down the stretch. Senior guard Nate Kasper (17 points) did most of the damage late, splitting Medfield’s zone defense and hitting an acrobatic layup with just over a minute remaining and making two free throws in the final 37 seconds.

Junior forward Cole Deisenroth added 11 points, and sophomore center Sam Pantera continued his strong season with 10.

On Jan, 28, the Hillers won at Medway, 51-40, behind 15 points from Pantera. Sophomore point guard Jack Ianelli, making his first start, contributed 12 points.

On Jan. 25, Kasper led the team to a 55-48 victory over visiting Millis. …

The HHS girls basketball team hit a rough patch, falling to Medfield, 54-41, on Feb. 1, after losing to Medway, 52-47, in the previous game.

On Jan. 25, the girls turned away a scrappy Millis team, 61-44. Kiki Fossbender led the Hillers with 14 points, while Brooke Dougherty and Lauren Cho each scored 12 and Lexy Trendel netted 10.

Boys hockey finishes January strong The boys hockey team went on a hot streak in late January, winning five out of six games. In a 5-2

HopkintonIndependent.com

victory over Norton on Jan. 22, Joe Scardino had two goals, while Cal Greenwood, Joey Carrazza and Charlie Purpura each lit the lamp one time.

On Jan. 19, the Hillers earned a 2-1 overtime victory over Bellingham, with Ryan Teitel scoring the game-winner just 22 seconds into the extra frame. Scardino had the other HHS goal.

The girls co-op hockey team, down to just nine skaters for a couple of games in late January, fell to 1-11 following a 6-1 loss to Norwood on Jan. 31.

Boys swimmers qualify for sectionals The boys swimming and diving team dropped a 91-78 decision to Weston on Jan. 25. Highlights for HHS included sectional-qualifying performances from Davis Peishoff (100 butterfly), Caleb Burke (100 backstroke), the medley relay team of Burke, Shawn Haley, Peishoff and Tyler Fallon, and the 200 free relay of Kevin Gu, Haley, Peishoff and Fallon.

The boys knocked off Norwood on Jan. 23, 99-60. Fallon won the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke, while Peishoff took first in the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke (qualifying for sectionals in the process). Lucas Coffman and Kevin Zhu both broke 6 minutes for the 500 free. …

Girls swimming beat Norwood on Jan. 23, 10282. Tess Weatherhead won the diving competition to finish the Tri-Valley League season undefeated.

The 400 free relay team of Katie Balster, Olivia Scalora, Natalie Bouffard and Sofia Luce posted a season-best time. …

Sports Roundup | 17

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 17

‘Building year’ continues for HHS girls track

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

H

opkinton High School girls indoor track and field coach Jean Cann is accurate when she says this year’s team is not quite as strong as in seasons past, but she also is comparing the team against the program’s incredibly lofty standards. The Hillers lost two meets this winter, the first losses for the program in about seven years.

Hopkinton lost out on some of its momentum from the 2020 state championship during last year’s COVIDaffected season, but Cann said the team is moving in the right direction.

“It’s been a good building year and I think we will see it continue into the outdoor season,” Cann said. “We just don’t have as many events where we have a guaranteed win as we have had in the past.”

Both losses could have gone either way. Hopkinton lost by five points to Medfield in the first meet of the season and then suffered another single-digit setback against Holliston. Both meets came down to the final relay with the outcome still in doubt.

Senior Kate Powers has been a leader this winter. A talented thrower, she competes in the shot put, as that is the only indoor weight event. Cann said Powers is likely looking forward to the outdoor season and the discus, but she has excelled in the shot and recently traveled to New York City and won the girls division at the 114th Millrose Games, one of the oldest and most prestigious track events in the country.

The HHS lineup is dotted with numerous other standout athletes. Sophomore Steph Johnson has won nearly every dual meet in both the 1,000 and the 600. Katie Callery and Grace Joy, both seniors, are talented distance runners. Cann said several of her juniors are starting to come into their own after navigating the challenging season last year as sophomores.

“I don’t think they got a full taste last year of what indoor track is all about,” Cann said. “They definitely didn’t get the full training that they would normally have.”

Sports Roundup | from page 16

Big win for wrestlers The HHS wrestling team held on for an exciting 41-39 victory over visiting Norton on Jan. 26, its first win over the Lancers in more than 10 years.

Sebastian Losada, James Muzzy, Cyrus Hanson, Jari Zaidi, Devin Canty, Adam Distasio and Jack Hoyt recorded pins for the Hillers. …

On Jan. 27, the girls alpine ski team raced to second place in a meet at Ski Ward. Klara Niss led the way with a sixth-place finish while Libby Herlihy took 14th and Lila Mato was 15th.

The boys finished seventh, led by Jake Lacoche (13th). …

At the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association State Relays on Jan. 23, the boys 50-meter shuttle hurdle relay team of Drew Bialobrzeski, Will Bialobrzeski, Declan Mick and Sean Golembiewski shattered the school record with a time of 26.61 seconds, finishing in first place and qualifying

Drive-up access

Temperature-controlled

RV & boat storage HHS senior Kate Powers displays her bib at the Millrose Games in New York City, where she finished first in the girls shot put.

Lily Tourigny and Emily Hayward have shown the ability to run events ranging from the dash to the 600. Shelby Jones is another versatile athlete who joined the team from the basketball program following a strong spring track season that saw her compete in the pentathlon.

Junior Ellie Driscoll has been leading the hurdling squad and Sowmya Karthikeyan, a senior captain, is among the team’s best in the hurdles and jumping events.

“We can rely on her for a bunch of different events,” Cann said.

Adding depth to the jumpers are junior sisters Bridget and Keira O’Connor along with junior Emma Canestrari.

Cann also praised her dedicated group of freshmen.

“They never miss a practice, and we’ve been able to rely on several of them in whatever event we have needed to put them in,” she said.

Despite not having as many dominant, top-end athletes as in seasons past, Cann is optimistic that the Hillers will be able to show well in both the league showcase meet and the subsequent divisional meet.

“We have a lot of depth, so we may not get a ton of firsts, but we can get those thirds, fourths, fifths and sixths, and that gives me hope for the TVL showcase meet,” she said. “Our chances are better at a meet like that where our depth can prevail.” for nationals. …

Also at the MSTCA meet, the girls hurdle relay team of Kiley Locke, Emma DeMichele, Sowmya Karthikeyan and Ellie Driscoll finished fifth in Division 2 and qualified for nationals. Additionally, the girls high jump relay team (Keira O’Connor, Bridget O’Connor and Emma Canestrari) tied for second, the distance medley team (Elyse Srodawa, Aubrey Thomas, Katie Callery and Autumn Tumbleton) was fourth, and the shot put squad (Kate Powers, Shelby Jones and Maura Souza) was fifth.

New field hockey coach named

State of the Art Facility • • • • •

300 units with drive-up access Secure facility Automatic entry gate for 24/7/365 access Temperature-controlled units Motorcycle & auto storage with electricity for battery tendering • RV, camper and boat storage

We offer safe and contactless space selection and account setup via the website.

KeyStorage1.com Lease your space today.

508-278-3846 | info@keystorage1.com 50 Depot Street | Uxbridge, MA Locally owned and operated

Mass Fat Loss H

n e t l ine’s D a V y p p ay a

Lose 20 to 40 lbs in 40 days!

All natural, no exercise, no prepackaged foods, no drugs!

Book a free consultation at

Allison Valencia was named the school’s new field hockey coach. Valencia played at Foxborough High School and Worcester State University as well as internationally in Scotland. She has been coaching club field hockey since 2011 and spent the last five years as the junior varsity coach at Foxborough High.

HopkintonIndependent.com

MassFatLoss.com

508-881-1002

274 Union Street, Ashland

18 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

Schools HHS graduation car parade gets tentative approval from Select Board

T

he Hopkinton High School rolling car parade for graduating students, scheduled for June 4, was unanimously approved by the Select Board at its Feb. 1 meeting, but with the SCHOOLS that class NOTEBOOK understanding representatives must work with town departments that expressed safety concerns and get their approval.

“We’ve had this parade for the past two years,” HHS Senior Class President Manoli Barris told the board. “It’s brought a lot of spirit to the classes before us. During the years of COVID, finding class unity during this time is really tough. So the parade has been found to increase that. It’s been a really fun event that a lot of the town has been able to bond around and rally around.”

Added Sarah Furlong, the class vice president: “This is one of the only family events that the entire family can come to. A lot of senior events, only one parent or two parents can go to. This is a great event that the whole family can be a part of and celebrate their senior student.”

Select Board Member Brendan Tedstone threw his support behind the event, especially with the uncertainty surrounding COVID.

“Although I don’t think it’s going to be as momentous as the first year, it’s hard for me to tell somebody that they can’t do it, where we still have COVID and we don’t know what’s going on with COVID. The whole world might be shut down by the time their parade happens,” Tedstone said. “I know we had an in-depth discussion last year about maybe last year being the last year, but COVID has not gone away, and we don’t know what the deal is. Who knows what happens?”

The town’s emergency departments expressed concern with the congestion the event causes, noting that emergency response times are delayed because of it.

“I am concerned with the amount of cars that this event produces and the congestion it causes on the parade route impacting the response of the [Fire Department] to [emergency] calls on those specified streets or even to a participant’s emergency,” Fire Chief Bill Miller wrote. “This is a slow moving, dense parade that can last for a long period of time from start to finish.”

Board members also noted that the Main Street Corridor Project could make it more challenging for traffic to flow along Main Street, which is part of the 9.5-mile course.

Local collegians honored Northeastern University announced its dean’s list for the fall semester, and a number of Hopkinton residents are on it. The list includes Sebastian Toledo (majoring in game design), Tyler Gorman (economics/ business administration), Mihika Abraham (business administration), David Donoian (business administration), Riya Durgampudi (business administration), James Chen (nursing), Mariana Porzio (nursing), Sarina Panagiotopoulos (pharmacy), Katherine Levandosky (computer science/ mathematics), Vidya Ramalingam (computer science/mathematics), Usayd Sheikh (computer science), Jonathan Keeley (chemical engineering), Maria Tartaglione (chemical engineering), Nicholas DePatie (electrical and computer engineering), Thomas Richards (mechanical engineering), Shreya Thalvayapati (undeclared), Maria Vasington (environmental studies), Nicole Groussis (biology), Brianna Mitchell (political science), Aneela Ehsan (political science/ economics), Karen Gallagher (media screen studies/theatre), Antonio Weissinger (theatre), Zachary Umans (business administration) and Julia Budden (computer science/business

For that Special Someone THE

Chocolate Roses Chocolate Pizza Assorted Chocolates Cocoa Bombs

“Holliston's Hometown Candy store”

THE NEW GENERATION OF HOME SERVICE REPAIRS

ENJOY PEACE OF MIND WITH FIX IT!

5-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL REPAIRS

Chocolates Truffles Gift Baskets Dairy, Nut & Gluten-Free Chocolates 44 Central St, Holliston | (508) 429-5544 | hollistoncandycottage.com Call for Hours • Shipping Available

Handyman Services

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist

Office: 508-305-2055 www .FIXIT-ASAP.com

Insured coverage up to $1 Million. Licensed - MA-CSL #104953 / MA-HIC #169636

HopkintonIndependent.com

administration).

In addition to achieving distinction through the dean’s list, Gallagher, Weissinger, Umans and Budden are members of the University Honors Program. …

At Fairfield University, Brigid Belger, Andrew D’Alleva, Alexandra Graeber, Cecily McNamara, Garret Morrissiey and Alexandria Power were named to the dean’s list. …

Duncan Schnur graduated from Ithaca College with a B.S. in integrated marketing communications. …

Haley Goldner, a sophomore majoring in psychology and educational studies, was named to the dean’s list at Connecticut College. …

At the University of Delaware, Elena Wade, Grace Schacterle, Brianna Antonioli, Dylan McBride and Raymond Lucas were named to the dean’s list. …

Avery Knous was named to the Siena College president’s list. …

Earning a spot on the dean’s list at Quinnipiac University were Isabella Callery, Audrey Gladu, Tess Greenwood, Caitlyn Halloran, Madeleine Hildreth, Aidan Morin, David Sloan and Hailey Tolson. …

At Muhlenberg College, Esther Klinger and Matthew Klinger were named to the dean’s list. …

Andrew Tomney was named to the dean’s list at Curry College. …

At Clarkson University, Jake McDonald, a senior majoring in financial information and analysis, was named a presidential scholar, while Cameron Jerrett was named to the dean’s list. …

Kinnon MacEachern was named to the president’s list at Dean College. …

At the University of New England, Tatyana Markovich and Leah Palinkas were named to the dean’s list. …

Andrew Nealon was named to the dean’s list at James Madison University, where he is majoring in kinesiology. …

Corinne Messier, a junior majoring in health and business studies, was named to the president’s list at Bentley University. …

Dylan Morin was named to the dean’s list at Hofstra University. …

Maya Zent was named to the dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. …

At the University of Rhode Island, Delaney Augspurg, Jason Bachman, Grace Darkow, Teddy Henneberry, Kristin McCluskey, Natalie Morgan, Sydney Olson, Will Pawela, Emerie Peterson, Casey Pratt and Eliza Worrell were named to the dean’s list. …

Colin Norred, who is majoring in sport management, and Taylor Pichel, who is majoring in athletic training, were named to the dean’s list at Springfield College. …

Daniel Howell was named to the dean’s list at New England Institute of Technology.

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.

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 19

Schools

CENTERPOINT DRIVING ACADEMY

Milford • 508-217-4447

School Committee delays mask vote, approves calendar with extra holidays

Top Rated Driving School with 81+ Five★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Ratings on Google Only School to Use Newer SUV’s – 50% Safer Than Sedans 91% of Students Earn License First Time

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he School Committee met Feb. 3 to tackle some longstanding controversial topics, including the mask policy debate and the approval of the school calendar that now will include additional holidays representing Hopkinton’s diverse cultures. It also discussed an accusation of a violation of open meeting law by two committee members.

Chair Nancy Cavanaugh noted that she received a flurry of emails, probably more than she had ever received since becoming chair. There were 51 emails received calling for the removal of the mask requirement, while 56 asked for the mask mandate to be continued and one advocated for the mandate to be lifted on March 7, a date that the committee later considered following a motion by Joe Markey — and expressed optimism about implementing — but members agreed to wait until a future meeting before voting on it, so that they could see updated COVID-19 data.

The most explosive email was submitted by Becky Abate, the president of the Hopkinton Teachers Association, on behalf of its board regarding the mask policy and recent actions by Markey and Meg Tyler, who were accused by a resident of violating the state’s open meeting law for holding a Zoom meeting to discuss school committee policy.

The matter was discussed later in the meeting, when it was decided — with support from Markey and Tyler — that Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and her director of human resources will investigate the complaint and determine whether there is any merit to it.

“Although our School Committee members are not educators, they are representatives of our school community and we can and should hold them to the same standards of professionalism and integrity that we hold our students and educators,” the HTA letter stated. “Hopkinton students are taught that when we have conflicts we work together to find resolutions. Hopkinton students are taught that when we have conflicts, the best path to take towards resolution is one in which we act with honesty. Mr. Markey and Ms. Tyler, Hopkinton educators would have no choice but to give you a failing grade for your inability to meet the expectations of the assignment of a School Committee member. Our students, and the educators who serve them, deserve better.”

In a statement the following day, Markey defended himself, noting his history of civic engagement and consensus building on complex issues in Hopkinton going back 18 years.

“As an elected volunteer, I’m very well aware of the rights, limits and duties I have in communicating with people,” he stated. “By engaging and building ties with the community, committee members can facilitate civic engagement and increase committee awareness of the full range of community sentiment on important issues.”

During the mask discussion, the

committee received input from Health Director Shaun McAuliffe and Board of Health Chair Lisa Whittemore as well as the superintendent, who expressed concern about the disruption of education as more students and staff members have been absent because they have tested positive for COVID-19 since the omicron variant surge.

The superintendent noted that some students have had to receive incomplete grades due to absenteeism. On Feb. 2 there were 66 students and staff members absent, down from a high point of 204 during the first two weeks in January.

The superintendent also announced that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has granted off-ramping ability to all of Hopkinton’s schools because of the high vaccination rates. The committee would need to approve the change.

Tyler noted that the debate is “driving a stake in the heart of most communities in Massachusetts.”

“I feel like we’re doing so much damage to the community somehow. I don’t know how to fix it,” she continued.

“I feel the hatred and the rage and the vengeful attitudes in the community.”

Markey said that the debate now “isn’t about data; it’s about judgment.”

He said the committee has been “contributing to community angst” by continuing to bring up the debate.

Member Lya Batlle-Rafferty said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still has the community in the red zone and that the town’s public board and committee meetings are virtual. From her perspective, masking seemed reasonable at this time to protect students.

She added that while masking may be causing emotional hardships to students, it is not the only factor contributing to the state of their mental health.

She noted that some students were scared to attend school because of the outbreak, while others have experienced the impact of COVID-19 through the illness or death of a family member.

Said Batlle-Rafferty: “My point is mental health cannot all be boiled down to masks, and sometimes these conversations frustrate me a bit.”

No Hassle Scheduling On Line

★

Safety is #1 with CDA – we have installed plastic partitions to separate students and instructor

Free One of a Kind Life Skills Class – Parents Can Come Too – Trademark Pending

Register at www.centerpointdrivingacademy.com

$1000

S E N I O R S

in Gifts & Prizes

2 0 2 2

Support HHS Seniors

Only $10 to play

New Prizes Drawn Daily!

March Calendar Fundraiser

PLAY @ hopsenior2022.com

Hillside School www.hillsideschool.net

All Boys Grades 4-9 Day and Boarding Marlborough, MA

Open for In Person Learning Small Classes / Differentiated Instruction Individual Attention / Structured and Supportive

Scan For More Information

Now Accepting Applications for the 22-23 School Year

(508) 303-5709

The Smart Call for Heating & Cooling

New calendar approved In the other hot-button topic of the meeting, the the committee voted 3-11 to approve the proposed new school year calendar, which will include days off for Lunar New Year, Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr. Markey voted against it, while Tyler was absent at that point of the meeting and was recorded as an abstention.

Batlle-Rafferty made the point that, by adding Eid Al-Adha, Eid Al-Fitr and the Lunar New Year to the calendar cycle, it would allow teachers practicing those faiths to consider coming to Hopkinton because they would feel their cultures are being respected and that they are welcomed. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur also continue to be included.

★ ★

888-818-2028 www.coanoil.com

Gas, Oil and AC Equipment Sales & Service

HopkintonIndependent.com

20 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

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.

David Neville Jr. Dr. David Michael Neville Jr., 87, of Hopkinton and Bethesda, Maryland, passed away at Golden Pond in Hopkinton on Jan. 14. Born in N e w Yo r k City, he was the son of the late Alicia and David Michael Neville Sr. He was the husband of 65 years to Nancy (Turnbull Johnson) Neville of Hopkinton and Bethesda, Maryland.

The family moved to Larchmont, New York, where he attended Mamaroneck High School. He was a 1955 alumnus of Dartmouth College, and earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester in upstate New York. There, he was encouraged to take a year in pre-clinical sciences and did so in pathology and, as a research project, isolated cell membranes. He was interested in cell communication with the outside and its influence on active genes in cells.

After finishing school, he interned at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Neville found it frustrating that there was so little available for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.

It was at this time that he went back to his research roots with a job at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, and began exploring physical chemistry and molecular biology. Dr. Neville dove into membrane studies and collaborated with two groups interested in looking at how hormones work.

The scientists in his molecular biology lab worked for three decades to develop an immunotoxin platform producing well-folded bivalent toxic proteins targeting a variety of cell epitopes. Eventually, their research led to the development of Resimmune, a targeted anti T-cell therapy they believed would be less damaging to healthy cells. The research led to a Phase 1 study for the treatment of cutaneous lymphoma and other T-cell related diseases, and FDA fast track development designation. Dr. Neville is a pioneer of the immunotoxin field, and the author of over 140 peer-reviewed scientific papers. In 2008, Dr. Neville retired from the NIH, the public health service and civil service with a rank of captain, and founded Angimmune with two of his Ph.D. scientists.

In the spring of 2021, Dr. Neville and his wife moved from Bethesda to the Communities at Golden Pond in Hopkinton.

Dr. Neville loved nature and enjoyed spending summers in Wellfleet, enjoying the National Seashore beaches of Cape Cod. An avid birder, David and Nancy spent many weekends birding on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and along the C&O Canal in Potomac, Maryland.

In addition to his wife, David is survived by two sons, Paul H. Neville and wife Kathleen of Holliston and David M. Neville III and wife Nancy of Brookeville, Maryland. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Kaitlin and Anna Neville, and Jack and Liam Neville.

Funeral services are being held privately with family and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. A wake is planned for a time when social gathering is not a risk, when it can be held outdoors in Holliston.

Odhavjibhai Parmar Odhavjibhai Arjan Parmar, 78, of Hopkinton passed away peacefully Jan. 20 at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the beloved husband of Shardaben Odhavjibhai Parmar.

B o r n Feb. 25, 1943, in Kundla Amreli, Gujarat, India, he was the son of the late Arjan Premjibhai Parmar and the late Bhaniben Arjan Parmar.

Raised and educated in India, Odhavjibhai worked for 35 years as a civil engineer and planning supervisor before retiring in 2001 and moving to the United States in April 2021.

A man of great faith and devotion, he was deeply committed to his cherished family. Odhavjibhai was an avid reader and writer, having authored five religious books. He enjoyed entertaining — always serving the most wonderful food — and religious travel. He was proud of having been the only one of his more than 50 family members to have attended college. Odhavjibhai was humbled and honored to have served for many years as a community secretary in India.

In addition to his wife, Shardaben, he leaves his loving son, Harish O. Parmar and wife Madhavi Parmar of Hopkinton. He was the proud and adoring grandfather of Astha Parmar and Krutarth Parma, and was the dear brother of Kashi Jadav of Mumbai, India. He leaves several nieces and nephews, his extended family and many dear friends. Odhavjibhai was predeceased by three brothers and two sisters.

A visitation and traditional Hindu ritual service was held Jan. 22 in the memorial chapel of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, North Attleboro, followed by a traditional Hindu ritual and cremation service at Woodlawn North Purchase Crematory, Attleboro.

Edithmarie Siebert

Pamela Almeida

Edithmarie L. “Bunny” Siebert of Hopkinton died peacefully on Jan. 24 after long battles with multiple infirmities.

Beloved wife of the late Paul Siebert and loving mother of the late William Paul Siebert and the late Lea Marie Siebert, Bunny also was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Dorothy Ljunggren. She is survived by cousins Peter Cooper of Needham and Lee Butler of Somersworth, New Hampshire.

Bunny was born Jan. 27, 1942, in Boston and raised in Hopkinton. She graduated from Framingham State College and went on to train as a nurse with particular emphasis on geriatrics. Over the course of her long professional life she also worked in high-tech and state government. She was happiest when working in service of others.

Bunny was ever grateful to the many friends, doctors, nurses, firefighters and policemen who provided support and comfort as she made her way through life. She felt particularly blessed to form strong bonds with fellow parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Church, where a funeral Mass was celebrated on Jan. 31. Burial was private. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bunny’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Pamela Ivan Almeida, 72, of Hopkinton passed away Jan. 26. Pamela was born in Ahmedabad, India, and was the loving daughter of Alexander A. Lobo and Elizabeth A. Lobo. She was the wife of the late Ivan J. Almeida, and the sister of Trevor Lobo, Brian Lobo, Hans Lobo, the late Yvonne Marchon and Jennifer Fernandes.

Pamela is survived by three children: daughter Cherylann Serpes and husband Savio, daughter Melissa Sharma and husband Aman, and son Lionel Almeida and wife Anisha. She also was the most beloved grandmother of Alessandra Serpes, Angelina Serpes, Rohan Sharma and Ishaan Sharma.

A funeral Mass was held Jan. 31 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton. Arrangements were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Anthony Hutchins Anthony A. Hutchins, age 27, of Clinton and formerly of Hopkinton, died Jan. 23 at home unexpectedly. He was the son of Sally-Ann Stukuls of Whitinsville and Mark Hutchins of Milford.

A n thony was born July 12, 1994, in Milford and graduated from Hopkinton High School. He was a kitchen manager at The Boynton in Worcester.

Anthony enjoyed Krav Maga and fitness activities.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his fiancee, Kristy Skebos; his siblings, Joelle Sanford of Belchertown, and Mark Hutchins Jr., Brian Hutchins and Melissa Hutchins, all of Framingham; his maternal grandfather, Jacob Stukuls; his dog, Woodrow; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandmother, Susan Stukuls, and paternal grandparents, Arland and Eleanor Hutchins.

Calling hours were held Feb. 5 at Buma Funeral Home, Uxbridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to: Herren Project, P.O. Box 131, Portsmouth, RI 02871 or herrenproject.org/donate.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Jeannette Portale Jeannette (Jeanne) Portale, 86, of Hopkinton passed away at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham on Jan. 26. Born in Nyack, New York, she was the daughter of the late Ola (Coppins) and Thomas A. Bedner.

She was the wife of 18 years to the late Joseph Portale.

Previously of New City, New York, and later retiring to Tom’s River, New Jersey, Jeanne recently moved to Massachusetts to spend more time with her family.

Jeanne had a passion for playing bridge. With her husband as her partner, they were able to achieve third place in one world tournament. She enjoyed being retired, she took pleasure in playing golf, gardening, her dogs and the beach. Jeanne also loved her time with friends, going to the opera, church and out for dinner.

She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Aurilio of Hopkinton; her nieces, Susan Denison and husband Mark of Holliston, Deb diBenedetto and husband Bernie of Hopkinton, and Nancy Johnson and husband Cliff of Rockport.

She also leaves behind cousin Tom Cummings and cousin-in-law Monica Briemer and her children, Marc and Eric. She is predeceased by brother-inlaw Michael Aurilio and cousin Kenneth Briemer.

Private funeral services will be held at a later date at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or baypathhumane.org.

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 21

PFAS concerns unlikely to delay Fruit Street turf field replacement

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

A

t its meeting on Feb. 1, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed developments regarding the Fruit Street fields turf replacement project as well as property requests and summer programming.

Per a request from the Conservation Commission regarding concerns about potential PFAS exposure, the Department of Public Works’ engineering firm, Weston & Sampson, was asked to evaluate the Fruit

Street fields project in January. Earlier in the week, Chair Dan Terry and Parks & Recreation Department Director Jay Guelfi attended a meeting with town officials and experts from Weston & Sampson to discuss the situation. “Their conclusion was that there really wasn’t a high risk of exposure for PFAS from the remnants [of the existing field] and the future materials,” Guelfi reported to the commission.

Because PFAS are so ubiquitous, there is a chance that PFAS are present under the existing field, Terry elaborated, but “the fact that it’s present doesn’t mean

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

Knights of Columbus free throw contest Feb. 11 The annual Knights of Columbus free throw competition, originally scheduled for Jan. 4, will be held Friday, Feb. 11, at Hopkinton High School after the Hopkinton-Ashland varsity girls basketball game. All boys and girls ages 9-14 can participate regardless of disabilities. Trophies/medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category, and first-place winners advance to the district finals.

Registration will begin in the high school gym at 7:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Ashland/Hopkinton Council (Bishop Rice Council 4822).

Women’s Club monthly meeting/presentation Feb. 14

the field caused it,” he said, particularly because no initial testing was done prior to installation. “So, there’s no way we’re going to come to a real strong conclusion,” Terry said.

Terry reported that Conservation Commission Chair Jeff Barnes acknowledged that the right path forward is to ensure that when the old field is pulled up that as little crumb rubber as possible is left behind.

Terry also noted that past studies sponsored by municipalities in Massachusetts have concluded that crumb rubber fields were not a contributor to PFAS problems. These reports were to be provided to the Conservation Commission, which was scheduled to meet on Feb. 8. At that meeting, the Parks & Recreation Department’s pending request for a determination of applicability for the turf field replacement was to be discussed.

“Going forward,” Terry said, “we’re going to have it in our bid documents that whatever materials are being used do not have PFAS and that there’s no likelihood of contamination going forward.” Terry anticipates bid documents to be released in March and that the project will remain on schedule.

Property requests approved In other Parks & Rec news, the commission approved Christopher Stevenson’s request to use the Sandy Beach Parking lot as a staging area for the start and end of the Maspenock Mile Road Race on May 27.

The mile-long race will be a loop around the area and is a grassroots effort by Stevenson, an avid runner who is “looking to promote a healthy neighborhood and get some folks to the lake.” …

A request from the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association (HPTA) also was approved with regard to using the Victory Field parking lot to stage trailers and equipment from June 20-26 for its annual summer carnival. …

Summer program registration opened on Feb. 1 and Guelfi reported that the department was surprised and encouraged by strong registration numbers on day one of the “soft opening.” The department recorded 165 first-day registrations, compared to 140 registrations in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. Tennis, in particular, is “through the roof,” Guelfi said. He speculates that people are anticipating a future with fewer COVID restrictions. “I’m feeling good about the summer,” Guelfi added.

There are few things that keep you warmer than Al’s Oil…

The Hopkinton Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The guest speaker will be Jessica Zorge, a certified raptor rehabilitationist from Raptor Tales of Shrewsbury. New members from Hopkinton and the surrounding communities are always welcome. For more information, check the club’s website at hopkintonwomensclub.org or contact Judith Weinthaler at 508-435-3287 or HopkintonWC@gmail.com.

Still Locally Owned & Serving Your neighbors for Over 60 Years!

Because We Care.

Garden Club Online Speaker Series Feb. 15 The Hopkinton Garden Club’s Online Speaker Series presents “Garden Design for a Changing Climate” with Christine Darnell. The principal of Christine Darnell Gardens in Lyme, Connecticut, Darnell will share her specialty of plant combinations that are rich in form and texture and discuss ways to make smart choices in planting design with regard to water, soil, assisting migrating pollinators and wildlife. The presentation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit hopkintongardenclub.org or email register@hopkintongardenclub.org.

Event Calendar Sponsored by

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS An Evening with Ralph Graham Feb. 12 | 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Join us for a very special evening of music with the immensely talented Ralph Graham, a renowned singer, songwriter, and RCA recording artist. AND just in time for Valentine’s Day, we have a great date-night treat or girls/guys night out option. For an additional $10 add-on ticket price you can enjoy table seating in front of the stage, a FREE first drink, and a dessert! A “voice like chocolate”… that is how many of Ralph Graham’s fans have described his silken, baritone vocal style.

Matilda Jr. | Feb. 12 & 13 | 2:00 p.m.

Hopkinton Middle School Rebellion is nigh in Matilda Jr. The Musical is a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson. Directed by Mary Scarlata Rowe and featuring 70 local youth actors.

Songwriters Circle with Gay Perkoski | Feb. 17 | 6:00 p.m.

Songwriters Circle is an opportunity for songwriters to work with a “special guest” professional songwriter who will help support and guide writers with any original song they bring. Our songwriters will share their expertise in a safe, supportive environment. Join us at 6:00 p.m. for a one-hour circle for $5. A concert with Gay will take place at 7:30 p.m. for an additional $10.

Delta Generators Concert Feb. 26 | 8:00 p.m.

Winning awards and playing to sold-out shows across New England and beyond, the Boston-based Delta Generators have made quite a name for themselves since hitting the scene in 2008. Their music brings together their diverse musical influences, drawing on the traditions of Blues, Roots, R&B, Americana and Rock to create a sound uniquely their own. This is one show you do not want to miss.

Your Arts Center | Tickets & Details at HopArtsCenter.org

Join our ! family

508-753-7221 • ALSOILSERVICE.com LOWEST PRICES • FULL-SERVICE • 24-HR EXPERT BURNER SERVICE • WE ACCEPT MOST MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

K BOO !

NOW 0I2n2 ngin2g

pirni t forPSaHSopursieng! g ti1n9 Pai2n0

Five Star Painting 508-479-8040 Quality Workmanship at Affordable Prices Grafton Resident • Grafton Based Business

www.MikeFiveStar.com In Business for Over 35 Years Power Washing Expert Surface Preparation Top Quality Benjamin Moore Premium Paints and Stains

Written Referrals Fully Licensed & Insured Wood Replacement/Carpentry Deck Restoration and Protection Interior/Exterior Painting & Staining

100% Epoxy Garage & Cellar Concrete Floors (solid or Multi-Colored Vinyl Flakes)

Call Now for Your FREE ESTIMATE!

$250 OFF $150 OFF Any Complete Any INTERIOR EXTERIOR House Painting For Spring 2022

Painting of 2 Rooms or More

508-479-8040

508-479-8040

With Coupon Only. Must Present at Initial Meeting. Expires 6/30/2022

With WithCoupon CouponOnly.

Only.Must MustPresent Presentatat Initial Meeting.

Expires 6/30/2022 Initial Meeting.

Expires 6/30/19

FREE

WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING With Any Complete Exterior House Painting

5/15/19 BOOKED BY 5/15/22

508-479-8040

We fix water-damaged ceilings and walls and work with insurance companies!

HopkintonIndependent.com

22 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

Police Log ARRESTS January 18

6:26 p.m. On Walker Street, Officers Cody Normandin and Kevin Sager arrested a 56-year-old Pond Street resident and charged him with passing violation, marked lanes violation, speeding in violation of special regulation, and OUI liquor.

January 25

11:18 a.m. A West Main Street caller reported an intoxicated male drove onto her lawn and was trying to bribe her not to contact the police. Sergeants Timothy Brennan and Matthew McNeil and Officer Cody Normandin responded and recovered the vehicle, stolen in Framingham, at Angel’s Garden Center. A 35-year-old from Framingham was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a Class B drug. Sergeant Brennan viewed the property damage at the caller’s house.

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

January 18

7:41 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck was requested.

Sergeant Brennan transported the student to school.

2:40 p.m. A walk-in handed in a license plate that she found in a snow bank on Ledgestone Drive. A message was left for the owner.

5:38 p.m. A caller reported a balding male in his 70s in a tan jacket asking people for money on West Main Street. Officers Robert Ekross and Cody Normandin responded and spoke with the man.

January 19

1:20 p.m. A Ridge Road caller reported he saw via his Ring camera a suspicious male taking photographs of his house. Sergeants Timothy Brennan and Arthur Schofield and Officer Cody

Normandin responded and spoke with the man, who was taking photographs for insurance purposes. All was OK. 2:37 p.m. The Ashland Police Department reported an erratic operator headed to Hopkinton on Main Street. Officer Cody Normandin located the vehicle and issued a verbal warning.

3:16 p.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle accident on Wood Street involving personal injuries. Officers Ryan Polselli and Robert Ekross responded along with an ambulance. A person was transported to UMass Medical Center. A civil infraction was issued.

6:10 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle crashed in to a snow bank on West Main Street. Officers Robert Ekross, Kevin Sager, and Ryan Polselli responded and requested a tow truck. No personal injuries were reported. A complaint application was issued.

8:13 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator passing vehicles and driving at a high rate of speed on Cedar Street.

Officers Kevin Sager and Ryan Polselli responded and the vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

January 20

8:51 a.m. Officer Jay Deiana reported illegal dumping on Hayden Rowe Street after discovering several discarded car batteries on the side of the roadway. The DPW was contacted for cleanup.

11:09 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on wires on Granite Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and found branches on wires and reported it was not an immediate hazard. Eversource was notified.

You Don't Lift a Finger 774-287-1133

$299 15 yard Dumpster

Single Item to complete clean-outs

Serving Metro West & Beyond

January 21

5:24 p.m. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Cody Normandin responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Hayden Rowe Street. No personal injuries were reported.

7:36 p.m. Officers Brendon Lyver and Brian Sanchioni responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles on Barbara Road. No personal injuries were reported.

your locally owned and operated

AFFORDABLE JUNK REMOVAL.COM

ASHLAND MOTORS Integrity. Reliability. Customer Service.

Foreign & Domestic Cars Complete Repair Service Specializing on Volvo

ICE MELT DELIVERY Residential & Commercial Quick & Easy Refill Service

CALL TODAY 508.944.6644 UNDERPRESSUREWASH.COM

508-435-7776

Master Technician – Dean James

84 Wood Street, Hopkinton HopkintonIndependent.com

January 22

2:58 a.m. A caller reported a person lying in the roadway of Ray Street, bleeding from the head, after a hit and run. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Brittany Firth, Stephen Buckley and Benjamin Stickney responded along with an ambulance. Officers closed East Main Street between Ray and Ash Streets.

Officer Buckley reported the Burlington Police Department notified the victim’s next of kin of the incident.

8:39 a.m. A caller reported a possible water leak in the roadway of Claflin Place. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and checked the area and reported water was leaking out into the roadway. The on-call Water Department personnel were contacted.

11:57 a.m. A caller reported several hay bales in the middle of the roadway of West Main Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and reported the hay bales were removed prior to her arrival.

1:05 p.m. An Oliver Lane caller reported a cat wandering in and out of the roadway. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and located the cat and took it to a veterinary clinic on Main Street. The animal control officer was notified.

1:39 p.m. A Valleywood Road resident reported a bat possibly was inside his house. The animal control officer was contacted and assisted the caller.

3:51 p.m. A concerned caller reported a suspicious vehicle circled around his house, left, returned and circled around again. Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke to the driver, who was visiting a family member and thought he had hit something and was circling back to check for damage. Officer Ekross reported it was a misunderstanding and all was OK. 7:26 p.m. A Front Street resident reported returning home to her carbon monoxide detector alarms sounding. The caller was advised to evacuate. Officer Robert Ekross responded along with the Fire Department.

January 23

3:38 a.m. An Oakhurst Road resident reported a strange light coming from his neighbor’s window, and after an inconclusive preliminary investigation, he requested an officer to check the area.

Officer Shannon Beloin responded and reported all was OK. A light fixture was the source of the light.

5:43 a.m. OnStar crash activation reported a motor vehicle accident on Winter Street, and it appeared the driver left the area. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Shannon Beloin responded to the residence and spoke with the driver. No personal injuries were reported.

1:08 p.m. A Walcott Street caller reported an outside permitted fire with excessive smoke. Officer Brendon Lyver responded along with the Fire Department to check the fire.

7:18 p.m. An Elm Street resident reported two men walked up to her door claiming to be missionaries and wanting to read her scripture. The caller wanted them to be checked for permits and identity. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and checked the area with a negative find.

7:35 p.m. A caller reported two males, possibly solicitors, going door to door on West Main Street and Elm Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and checked the area with a negative find.

The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022 • 23 11:13 p.m. A concerned caller reported a young male in shorts and a hoodie walking on Ash Street toward the center of town. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and the person was gone upon her arrival.

January 24

8:19 a.m. Officer Jay Deiana responded to a disabled motor vehicle on Pleasant Street reported by the high school assistant principal. A possibly upset student was in the vehicle. Officer Deiana requested a tow truck.

11:10 a.m. An employee at a West Main Street facility reported one of the residents was running into the road. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded. A staff member had gotten the resident safely back inside the building when he arrived.

6:41 p.m. A West Main Street caller reported larceny by an employee. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and spoke with all parties involved and took a report. Charges were to follow.

9:51 p.m. A caller reported a leaning telephone pole on Oakhurst Road. Officer Robert Ekross responded and contacted Verizon.

10:43 p.m. A caller reported possible threats via Facebook. Officers Shannon Beloin and Ryan Polselli assisted and took a report.

January 25

3:41 a.m. A caller reported a deer in the middle of the southbound lane on Cedar Street. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and reported it appeared to have a broken front leg but walked into the woods.

4:10 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street and reported no personal injuries.

5:58 p.m. A Colella Farm Road resident reported losing his cell phone in a Lyft vehicle. Sergeant Timothy Brennan assisted the caller, and the phone was pinging from an address in town. It was subsequently picked up.

9:00 p.m. A Claflin Place resident reported noticing that her TV was missing. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report of stolen property.

January 26

5:27 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard checked on a disabled and unoccupied motor vehicle on West Main Street and stood by while the owner got gas in a gas can.

6:56 p.m. An employee at a West Main Street pizzeria reported a female stole a few drinks and possibly other items from the restaurant. Officer Cody Normandin responded and spoke with the employee.

7:33 p.m. A caller reported a male dressed in black walking on West Main Street and stumbling into traffic. Officers Brendon Lyver and Brian Sanchioni responded and reported the State Police gave the individual a ride back to his vehicle.

9:51 p.m. A Falcon Ridge Road resident reported an unknown person in a vehicle pulled into his yard.

Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brendon Lyver responded and checked the area with a negative find.

January 27

7:59 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Nebraska Street. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Brendon Lyver responded and reported no personal injuries.

4:07 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni assisted the Westborough Police Department in responding to a bomb threat at the Doubletree Hotel.

January 28

2:30 a.m. A Cedar Street caller reported receiving harassing phone calls and text messages from an individual. Officers Stephen Buckley and Brittany Firth and Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and made contact with the individual. A report was to follow.

9:26 a.m. A library employee reported finding a few lost items outside the front door of the library within the past few weeks and wanted it logged.

2:50 p.m. A caller reported her son was harassed by some other students. Officer Jay Deiana spoke with all involved parties and took a report.

8:24 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident in which a truck went off the road and into a guardrail on Pond Street, but the caller could not locate any occupants. Officer Jessica Ferreira and Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and the vehicle registration came back to a company. A passerby reported

driving the operator home, and officers unsuccessfully attempted to make contact with him there. A Winter Street resident reported seeing a male walking down Winter Street and then into the woods. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan were deployed to assist in the search for the missing male. At 10 p.m., Officer Sanchioni and K9 Titan found the individual passed out in the snow in the woods. An ambulance responded, and the vehicle was towed.

January 29

2:07 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle doing ”donuts” on Knoll Road. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Cody Normandin responded. The vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

2:36 a.m. A second caller reported a vehicle doing “donuts” on Knoll Road. Officer Cody Normandin located the vehicle and spoke with the operator.

10:29 a.m. Officer Brendon Lyver responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash on Ash Street and took a report. No personal injuries were reported.

12:45 p.m. A town plower reported a youth building a snow fort in a snow bank on Heidi Circle that needed to be plowed. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and spoke to the youth.

2:50 p.m. A Davis Road resident complained that town roads needed plowing. The caller was advised on proper 911 usage and was advised that the DPW was doing all it could to plow roads in a safe and efficient manner.

4:40 p.m. A driver reported he crashed his truck into a telephone pole on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and reported minor damage. A tow truck was contacted.

8:11 p.m. A Clinton Street resident complained that a neighbor was attempting to get six trucks in and out of his driveway, and one got stuck in the caller’s driveway. The vehicle did get out, but the caller stated this was one of many incidents, and she wanted it logged.

January 30

1:19 a.m. The DPW reported multiple cars in the roadway of Clinton Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Jay Deiana responded and contacted a tow truck, which removed one vehicle.

1:10 p.m. A Queen Anne Road caller reported finding a loose chocolate Lab in the neighborhood.

The animal control officer was notified.

1:21 p.m. An Elizabeth Road caller reported the inside odor of burning rubber. The caller was advised to evacuate the house. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded along with the Fire Department.

7:30 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Robert Ekross responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

9:45 p.m. A Woodview Way caller reported a nearby vehicle was idling for three hours and the caller’s roommate stated it was running since the morning. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and turned off the car.

Police Department seeks help to ID vehicle The Hopkinton Police Department is investigating a late-night incident that occurred last month and is seeking help from the public.

“On Saturday, Jan. 22, at about 3 a.m., Hopkinton Police received a report of a man lying in the road on East Main Street near Ray Street,” the HPD announced last week. “Upon arrival, first responders found a 31-year-old Burlington man who was injured.”

The individual was transported to the hospital, and an investigation was launched with assistance from statelevel personnel.

Police obtained surveillance footage that showed the man “walking on the sidewalk while wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt, but did not show the impact that left the man injured,” the HPD statement continued. “Police have identified a vehicle of interest in the case, but the ongoing investigation has so far not led to an arrest.”

The HPD is asking anyone who lives on East Main Street, Main Street and West Main Street and has home video surveillance footage from Jan. 22 between the hours of 2-3 a.m. to contact Detective Benjamin Stickney at bstickney@hopkintonpd.org or 508-497-3401, ext. 1273.

Puppy Training Behavioral Issues Dog Walking

Fully Insured Barbara Carroll, Trainer

508.361.4409

DogHikesCatCare.com doghikescatcare@gmail.com

Mark Underdah Remodeling Kitchens • Baths Additions • Remodels

508.341.1810

Insured & Licensed

Lic.# CS071977

Because Because Because Your Your Your Family's Family's Family's

Health Health Health &&Safety Safety & Safety Matters Matters Matters Most Most ToToUs To UsUs Because YourMost Family’s

January 31

5:37 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley was flagged Health & Safety Matters down on Lakeshore Drive by a resident who reported Most To Us not having any water in the house. Officer Buckley confirmed water bubbling up in the road. The Water Because Your Family's Department was notified.

Health & Safety Matters Most To Us 7:54 a.m. A bus dispatcher reported a school bus was broken down on Hidden Brick Road. Officer Cody Normandin responded and reported the bus was off to the side of the road and a tow was on the way.

10:55 a.m. A walk-in handed in a wallet found in a trash can at Dunkin’ on West Main Street. The owner was contacted and picked up his wallet.

12:10 p.m. A caller reported the crosswalk button on Main Street was blocked. Officer Cody Normandin responded and reported a snow bank was in the way.

The DPW was notified.

2:02 p.m. A concerned walk-in from Sanctuary Lane reported the snow banks at the end of Chamberlain Street are so high that it was difficult to see when pulling out onto Hayden Rowe Street, and she was nearly hit by another vehicle. The DPW was notified.

3:01 p.m. A Pheasant Hill Road resident reported a solicitor going door to door, and he wouldn’t present his business card. Officer Cody Normandin responded www.scottseptic.com www.scottseptic.com | |508.435.4168 | 508.435.4168 and checked on the person, who was properly regis- www.scottseptic.com www.scottseptic.com | 508.435.4168 508.435.4168 tered.

Family Family Family Owned Owned Owned && Operated Operated & Operated Serving Serving Serving MetroWest MetroWest MetroWest Boston Boston Boston Since Since 1968 Since 19681968

SCOTT SCOTT SCOTT SEPTIC SEPTIC SCOTTSEPTIC SEPTIC Family Owned & Operated Serving MetroWest Boston Since 1968

HopkintonIndependent.com

2021

MetroWest 69

24 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 9, 2022

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Lisa Volpe Hachey for this photo of a “summer porch on a winter day.” To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

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

Here is Baypath’s description of Ireland: “Ireland loves yummy snacks like salmon and chicken. She is smart and learning target training.

“Ireland loves having cat friends and is looking for a home with one. Ireland would like a quiet home where she can slowly adjust and blossom. She would prefer a home without kids (she says they are just too much for her!).”

For more information on Ireland 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.

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

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

LIQUOR

WINE

NOW IN 12-PACKS!

Spirits Sale

CRAFT BEER

GOURMET

HOT SAUCES AND BBQ

Makers Mark 1.75L.............................................................. $54.99 Blank Vodka 750ml w/ Valentine’s Day Label ...................... $14.99 Knob Creek Bourbon 750ml .............................................. $31.99

Basil Hayden Bourbon Whiskey 750ml

................... $37.99

Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey 750ml .. $27.99 Don Julio Blanco Tequila 750ml

................................ $49.99

SMOKE SHOP

Through February 21 EAL!

TWO-FER D

Zarpado Blanco Tequila 750ml

2 for $40 Get 2 branded glasses or a t-Shirt when purchasing 2 bottles

Captain Morgan Spiced Rum 1.75L ....................... $22.99 Grey Goose Vodka 1L .................................................... $29.99 Bombay Sapphire Gin 1.75L

....................................... $39.99

Belle Meade Bourbon 750ml ....................................... $44.99

Julio’s Vodka

1.75L

Laphroaig 10yr Cask Strength 750ml ..................... $89.99

$13.99

........................................ $19.99

20% of proceeds are donated to Project New Home

Bacardi Superior Rum 1.75L Bacardi Gold Run 1.75L Stoli Elit Vodka 750ml

................................................. $19.99

....................................................... $39.99

140 Turnpike Rd., Westborough Route 9 at Lyman St. (508) 366-1942 | juliosliquors.com OPEN 7 DAYS M-Sat 9am - 9pm, Sun 10am-7pm

So much more than a liquor store.

To download our app go to JuliosLquors.com

HopkintonIndependent.com