Hopkinton Independent March 25

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT HopkintonIndependent.com

Vol. 21 | No. 6 | March 25, 2020

Hopkinton hunkers down Coronavirus forces postponement of Town Meeting, Marathon

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

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PHOTO/DAVE HUGHES

In this slow shutter speed photo, vehicles drive up and down an otherwise quiet Main Street as Hopkinton deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

Independent debuts new website

ike the rest of the world, Hopkintonians have entered uncharted territory. And that territory is in their own homes.

Told to minimize contact with other humans during the coronavirus pandemic, residents hunkered down for what could be a few weeks but what appears increasingly likely to be longer.

Hopkinton Public Schools students were told to stay home March 11, and it went from a one-day order to three days to almost a month. College students were sent home for the entire semester.

All town buildings were closed to the public. Parks, playgrounds and playing fields were closed. Milford Regional Medical Center announced that it was Coronavirus | 6

INSIDE NEWS

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he Hopkinton Independent has introduced an improved website at HopkintonIndependent.com. The website was scheduled to go live on March 24 with a combination of stories from the print edition along with some fresh web content.

“We are extremely proud to debut our new website,” Hopkinton Independent publisher David Bagdon said.

“We had been planning to introduce the site later this year, but due to the coronavirus situation we felt it was important to have the site available now to better serve our readers as they seek consistent reliable information in these trying times.”

Readers are welcome to email comments, suggestions and corrections to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

Town updates timeline for Main Street Corridor Project

4

SCHOOLS

HPS, town settle on budget increase of 8.26 percent

10

SPORTS

Hoops star Rabinovich headed to Holy Cross

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020

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 also is available at Hopkinton Public Library and Town Hall as well as dozens of other sites through town.

STAFF

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

Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Editorial contributors: JEAN CANN, LYN CALKINS, MICHELLE SANFORD, MELISSA ORFF, CHRIS VILLANI, DEBORAH BURKE HENDERSON, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, Ed Turner, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Gethin Coolbaugh

contact us:

For advertising, contact Susanne Odell Farber at: Cell: 508-954-8148 or email: sue@sodellconsult.com Or you may call the Hopkinton Independent at: 508-435-5188 (office), 508-366-2812 (fax) 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.

In these challenging times, Hopkinton shows strength T alking to people in authority in Hopkinton during this trying time, one quickly realizes how fortunate we are to live in a town that has its act together.

Together being the key word. While nationally the squabbling and divisiveness tear apart our country, in Hopkinton the oars are all moving in the same direction.

And somehow little ol’ Hopkinton appears far better prepared to handle an emergency like this than our national government.

“We have a group that we call the School INDEPENDENT Safety Task Force,” explained Superintendent THOUGHTS of Schools Dr. Carol JERRY SPAR Cavanaugh. “It’s made up of the fire chief, the deputy fire chief, several of the officers from the Hopkinton Police Department, including the [school resource officers], our Buildings and Grounds director, Youth and Family Services — there’s a whole group of people who get together with some frequency.

And we very often talk about what would it look like if we had a chemical spill, or what would it look like if there were a gas leak. So we create a lot of those kinds of scenarios.

“And one thing that’s been really helpful is our familiarity with each other. We all know each other now so well, and we communicate so well that getting us all into

HopkintonIndependent.com

a room together to talk about what needs to be done has not been difficult at all.”

Cavanaugh noted that the first few days school was shut down in mid-March technically counted as “snow days” — work days teachers would have to make up in June.

“We had been sort of reluctant to reach out to them and ask them to work because we don’t want them to have to work twice for the same pay,” Cavanaugh said. “[When the postponements started] the teachers were really, really good about helping us out even though it wasn’t technically a work day, and [since then] they’ve been great.”

Cavanaugh also said that since the department shifted to videoconferencing to avoid close physical contact the turnout has been close to 100 percent.

“Part of me wonders if the [high level of] participation on the part of our faculties at these [videoconferencing] meetings — I truly believe it’s because people are markedly professional, but I also wonder if they don’t get a sense of comfort even being together electronically,” she said.

Meanwhile, Health Department director Shaun McAuliffe lauded the help of school nurses, who shifted over to his department after the schools closed. The nurses have helped track Hopkinton’s COVID-19 cases — as of March 17 there were three known cases and 22 others suspected of having the virus — tracing their histories to determine where they might have contracted the disease and who Independent thoughts | 3

The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020 • 3

Spring Market Has Begun Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

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This issue’s winner is Daniel Sylvester for his photo of the gazebo at the Town Common at night. 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 in them are encouraged — especially people passing time during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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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.

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Independent thoughts | from page 2

Progress on parking The town is making some progress on acquiring land for a downtown parking lot.

At its March 10 meeting, the Select Board

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Longtime resident and volunteer firefighter Francis Pyne passed away last month, but the impact he made on fellow residents is still being felt.

A group of individuals donated a total of $495 to the Ambulance Fund in his memory, which allows the town to purchase much-needed life-saving equipment.

Francis’ wife, Phyllis, reached out to the Independent to share her gratitude for the outpouring of support her family — including Francis’ brother, Artie, and Artie’s wife, Dottie — has received.

“Whether you kept us in your thoughts and prayers, sent a lovely arrangement, gave a memorial donation or helped us in any way, your love and kindness brought us great comfort and will always be remembered,” Phyllis said.

Ann Clark

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they came in contact with since that time.

On a regional level, Tim Kilduff raved about the way Boston Marathon organizers and area politicians — including Hopkinton Select Board member John Coutinho — quickly came together and rescheduled the iconic race from April to September.

“If you look at this collaboration that was created … this collaboration really becomes a model,” Kilduff said. “They’re ahead of the game. Maybe it’s the kind of thing we ought to be doing nationally.

People ought to start thinking in this collaborative way.”

Pyne’s legacy lives on

Mike Auen

508-951-4951

A boy walks his dog through an empty parking lot at Hopkinton High School on the morning of March 18, which would have been a typically full day prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

voted to accept the deed and trustee’s certificate for 6 Walcott Street from the seller, Joseph D. Marquedant, trustee of Walcott Street Realty Trust, and execute an order for taking of the property.

The board also authorized town counsel to negotiate and sign any and all documents necessary to effectuate the purchase of the property, which is located behind Town Hall and is slated to serve as parking.

The town is paying $510,000 for the property, which was approved at last year’s Annual Town Meeting. …

Kudos to the New England Laborers’ Training Center, which recently made two donations to the town, a $10,000 donation to the Tax Relief Fund and a $5,000 gift for Senior Transportation. The Select Board voted to graciously accept the donations at its March 10 meeting.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020

Town issues update on Main Street Corridor project timeline T

School bus fees to increase At its March 12 meeting, the School Committee agreed to increase the bus transportation fees for Grades 7-12 to $200 per student, with a $400 family cap. The fees had been $155 for indi-

Aditya Kaushik poses with his parents, Meena Kaushik (left) and Sundar Sivaraman, at the March 10 Select Board meeting, where he was recognized for his Eagle Scout project.

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

he town shared an update on the Main Street Corridor project on March 10, indicating that construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2021.

The project is scheduled to go out to NEWS BRIEFS bid later this spring, with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) selecting a contractor in the fall or winter.

There had been talk of a ceremonial groundbreaking immediately after this April’s Boston Marathon, but with the race getting postponed to September, it’s not yet clear how the town will proceed.

Select Board member Brian Herr noted that with most companies — including construction and engineering firms — slowing down due to the coronavirus outbreak, it could create some delays. But he remained optimistic that a ceremony could take place following the Sept. 14 Marathon.

“It’s still the hope that we’ll get the groundbreaking physically done — we’ll stick a shovel in the ground,” Herr said. “But it’s also going to coincide with when we’re ready to award bids and things like that. We do see it all slowing down and we’re going to adjust as we need to.”

work I put in, and it’s getting good use.” …

The Hopkinton Women’s Club, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, also was recognized at the Select Board’s March 10 meeting.

The Hopkinton Women’s Club was founded in 1920. The group is best known for its Meet the Candidates night, when the organizations host local election candidates for a Q&A, the publication and distribution of the annual Hopkinton Community Register and Telephone Directory, and the numerous scholarships and awards it provides.

Town orders unlicensed take-out to stop viduals with a $310 family cap. Fees must be paid before May 1. A late fee of $80 will be added to fees paid after May 1 and through June 30.

Making these changes, Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said, “will allow us to bear a small fraction of the burden of the growing education budget on the shoulders of those who are using the transportation services and not on our town citizens in general.”

Meanwhile, Hopkinton Public Schools announced that the school bus application period for the 2020-21 school year is open. The deadline for fee-based busing is May 1.

For full information on school busing for the next school year, visit the HPS website (hopkinton.k12.ma.us) and navigate to the Transportation page (via the District Departments header at the top of the website).

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At its March 10 meeting, the Select Board honored Aditya Kaushik for becoming an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Kaushik partnered with Hopkinton Area Land Trust to help create a trail at the Ora Cheney Conservation Area — land the town owns in the Bear Hill district of town (near Elizabeth Road).

The trail is named for former HALT director Dave Goldman.

In addition to creating the trail, Kaushik and his fellow volunteers removed trash — two dumpsters’ worth, Kaushik recalled — and installed three benches.

“I’m glad with how the project turned out,” Kaushik said. “I know a lot of people are using the trail now, and that really makes me glad because of all the hard

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The town’s Health Department sent a letter to the owners of a Locust Street home (in the Legacy Farms development) ordering them to cease operating an unpermitted take-out food service establishment.

According to the letter, the Health Department received an anonymous complaint about the establishment and was provided a copy of the menu with ordering and pickup procedures.

“Absent the proper permitting and licensure, you are hereby ordered to cease and desist all take-out food service operations from this residence,” the letter stated.

The letter closed by asking for a written response indicating that all unpermitted food service operations at the address had ceased.

Locals honored for college success

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he University of Massachusetts released its list of students who made the dean’s list for the fall semester, and a number of Hopkinton residents were on it. They include Freeman Alfano, Hayden August, Kalina Bergmann, Haley Bernardo, John Buday, Olivia Coelho, COLLEGE Katherine Cook, Ryan HONORS Covino, Maeve Cross, Kelsey Cunniff, Michael Cuthbert, Juliette Davis, Jonathan Demarco, Jack Feather, Christopher Hadley, Lauren Hamm, David Hart, Robert Hart, Siobhan Herr, Zachary Holbrow, Zachary Horgan, Nicholas Hynes, William Karpenski, Greta Kohl, Julia Krapf, Devon Lamachia, Alexandra Lazarov, Veronica Lee, Allison Leeret, Sophia Malik, Emma McNamara, Allison McNulty, Samuel Morningstar, Hannah Murphy, Jake Neary, Tessa Patapoutian, Kyle Perkins, Tasneem Rinvee, Kyle Rock, Marc Saklad, Austin Schofield, Maximilian Siegfried, Andrew Smith, Danielle Sullivan, Christopher Todd, Bryanna Walker, Amber Walsh, Kayla Winshman, Ansley Worrell and Emma Zack. …

Robyn Auslander, Prakalya Chandrasekar, Thomas Leone and John Youssef were named to the dean’s list at Tufts University. …

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

At Georgia Tech, Teresa Morena earned faculty honors, a designation for undergraduate students who have a 4.0 academic average for the semester. …

Megan Canfield and Megan Mastrangelo were named to the dean’s list at Emerson College. …

Carly Chase, who is majoring in College Honors | 5

The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020 • 5

Joseph’s firm earns top honor from RE/MAX A

t the RE/MAX International Convention in Las Vegas last month, Hopkinton’s Chuck Joseph and partners Bill Wright and Chris Arienti of RE/MAX Executive Realty were recognized with the 2019 Broker Owner of the Year Award for the United States.

Joseph said he was BUSINESS surprised and BRIEFS honored by the recognition, and he said all the company’s employees — which includes those who work at the RE/MAX Executive Realty, headed by Hopkinton’s Chuck Joseph (left) along with Chris Arienti and Bill office in Hopkinton — share in Wright, won a major national award at the RE/MAX the accomplishment.

International Convention last month.

“It’s an honor we accepted on behalf of the 160 people that the New England area for over 40 years work with us,” he said. “It’s not something collectively. They are affiliated with LPL that we did on our own, it’s something Financial, the nation’s largest independent this company has done. To get a national broker-dealer.

Broker Owner of the Year Award for multioffices is a real honor. We were humbled MRMC seeks volunteers and pleased, but we absolutely accepted for advisory council on behalf of our agents, who continue to knock it out of the park every year.”

Milford Regional Medical Center RE/MAX Executive Realty, with an is seeking community members from office in Hopkinton, is the largest RE/ its 19-town service area to serve on the MAX franchise company in New England. hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory In the fall RE/MAX Executive Realty Council (PFAC). Now in its 10th year of was recognized in the Boston Globe’s Top operation, the PFAC is dedicated to proPlaces to Work special section, placing third moting a partnership between the patients, on the list of medium-sized companies. families, and working professionals affiliated with MRMC to promote and foster patient-centered care.

Blackstone Valley Wealth The PFAC at Milford Regional, advisors honored which meets monthly, includes staff from Blackstone Valley Wealth ManageMRMC’s administration and department advisors James Valis and Gregg ments, and former patients or those who Manis picked up another set of honors have had family members receive care at this month, as they were named to the the hospital. Community members must LPL Director’s Club and Freedom Club, reside within Milford Regional’s service respectively. area, which includes Hopkinton. Members “I’m proud to congratulate James commit to a two-year term and have the and Gregg on behalf of LPL,” said Andy opportunity to participate on various comKalbaugh, LPL managing director and mittees, task forces and advisory boards. divisional president, national sales and Those interested in becoming a consulting. “We applaud their dedication member of Milford Regional’s Patient to making meaningful impacts in the lives Family Advisory Council must complete of their clients every day. We’re honored to and submit an application form by March support advisors like them and wish them 27. For more information on the PFAC continued success.” at Milford Regional and/or to obtain an Valis and Manis are managing partapplication, go to the Medical Center’s ners at Hopkinton-based Blackstone Valwebsite at milfordregional.org or contact ley Wealth Management and have been Michelle Barry at michbarry@milreg.org providing financial services to clients in or (508) 422-2648.

College Honors | from page 4

marketing communication/advertising, was named to the president’s list at Western New England University. …

Freshman Natalie Calkins, who is majoring in health sciences, was named to the president’s list at Merrimack College. …

At Roger Williams University, Ryan Bannon, Justin Blanchard, Max Goldberg, Emma Litavis and Ryan Wolfe were named to the dean’s list. …

Selia Potas, who is majoring in studio art, was named to the dean’s list at Endicott College. …

At Curry College, juniors Timothy McGrath (criminal justice major), Riley Strickland (management) and Julie Tarantino (nursing) were named to the dean’s list. …

Senior Nathan Mezitt and sophomore Joseph Harrison were named to the dean’s list at Bryant University. …

Junior Tiana McCann, freshman Ab-

igail Jaye and freshman Lydia Rudden were named to the dean’s list at Stonehill College. …

At Rochester Institue of Technology, Jake Southern, who is majoring in industrial engineering, and Kira Hanson, who is in the film and animation program, were named to the dean’s list. …

Freshman Corinne Messier was named to the dean’s list at Bentley University. …

Parima Sharma, a junior majoring in biomedical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, was a member of a student team that recently completed an intense, hands-on research project through the WPI project center in Hangzhou, China. The project was titled “Montessori Education.”

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

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020

Town works to manage coronavirus outbreak Coronavirus | from page 1

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not allowing visitors, with very limited exceptions, and all individuals are being screened before being allowed to enter the hospital.

Annual Town Meeting, originally scheduled for May 4, was pushed back to June 22, and the Town Election will follow at a later date to be determined (it first requires special legislation).

“This is a very strange set of circumstances in everybody’s life, that’s for sure,” said Select Board member Brian Herr, a parent of two Hopkinton school students, two college students and a grown adult.

“We had a much larger house in Hopkinton that we sold last year. Now I’m kind of scratching my head a little bit. Because we’re in a much smaller house — a great house, in the center of town, but it is a little tight at the moment. We thought we’d be down two kids, but now we have them back. We’re adjusting.”

Herr might otherwise consider himself

Executive Realty co-owner Chuck Joseph. “But we have some sellers who say, ‘Look, I need to sell my house, I want to keep selling it.’We have buyers who say, ‘I want to go looking at homes.’ But both parties have to agree, because we also have sellers saying, ‘I don’t really want anyone in my house right now.’ It’s a very fluid process at the moment.”

Shelves were bare at the Hopkinton Price Chopper on Joseph said he is hopeMarch 15 as people hoarded facial tissue, toilet paper ful the shutdown won’t and paper towels. continue much longer, as it could lead to a major fortunate for having sold his house last problem for the real estate market. year, as the coronavirus outbreak has made “I don’t believe it will have a longthings challenging for real estate brokers. term effect, because here in the Northeast “We’re kind of staying on the national we’re still in pretty much a very, very low norm — no group meetings, encouraging inventory state and a high-demand state,” people not to meet face to face unless he said. “To me it’s more of a general they absolutely have to,” said RE/MAX

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economic question, and that is: How hard will people get hit? If people get hit pretty hard for a sustained period, then it’s going to slow us down.”

Restaurants were told by the state to limit their services to take-out or delivery, as part of the guidance to avoid large gatherings. The situation has put almost all businesses in a tough spot.

“We’re concerned about the small businesses that have already started feeling the impact,” said Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce executive director Tim Kilduff.

“Some of these shops, like The Spoon, that rely on walk-up traffic, they started to feel it [in early March].”

One of the biggest drivers of the local economy is the Boston Marathon, and while it won’t be held in April for the first time in its 124-year history, the event will go on, having been postponed to Sept. 14 (see Page 7).

Most other events scheduled for March and April have been postponed, canceled or altered so that they can be held remotely.

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe, appearing before the Select Board on March 17, said Hopkinton had three known cases of people with the virus and 22 who were being monitored.

However, he noted, “We do not have evidence of community spread,” which he attributed to the efforts of his staff and school nurses who shifted to his department when the schools were closed. They traced the case’s histories and tracked who they had come in contact with recently.

“Our mitigation strategy is designed to slow the spread of the disease within the community,” McAuliffe said. “We’re focused on protecting the most vulnerable population, preserving the public safety and healthcare workforce, and to minimize the social and economic impacts of COVID-19. Individuals, businesses and the community are all part of this mitigation strategy.”

Anyone who suspects they might have coronavirus should contact their primary care physician first and then the Health Department, which can help people navigate the process of obtaining testing, McAuliffe said.

Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Most people will only have mild symptoms — if any. The elderly and those with existing health issues are most at risk.

“We are less concerned about how many people will contract COVID-19 and more concerned about who will contract COVID-19,” McAuliffe said.

For those looking to help fellow residents, suggestions include donating food or funds to the Project Just Because food pantry (projectjustbecause.org), or donating money to provide meals to Hopkinton Public Schools students in need (send checks to Michelle Babin, Hopkinton Middle School, 88 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton, MA 01748).

Residents also are encouraged to reach out to elderly neighbors to ensure they have what they need, maintain a safe distance from others (6 feet) and practice proper hygiene, especially thorough hand-washing.

Check the town’s dedicated website page (hopkintonma.gov/covid-19) or the new Hopkinton Independent website (HopkintonIndependent.com) for more information on COVID-19, its effect on the community, and best practices for staying healthy.

The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020 • 7

Hopkinton supports Boston Marathon postponement

FILE PHOTO/TRICIA LACASCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Marathons ever run. And I’m not exaggerating, either. Think about it. Everyone has done cartwheels here. So I’m really excited about looking ahead to September 14th and what it means for all the communities.

“The governor has created a oneday holiday, for heaven’s sakes, Marathon Day. It’s unprecedented. So from that point of view it’s something to look forward to.”

In addition to the uniqueness of this year’s event — the Boston Marathon has always been run in April — it gives runners the opportunity to train in warmer months for once.

“Training through the winter is

always challenging in the Northeast,” Kilduff said. “And if you run all through the winter, the challenge is it could come up cold, hot, rainy or something in between [on race day]. It’s tough to prepare for that. This sort of now sets a pretty clear path and dictates to these runners how they ought to prepare. So I think it’s a plus.”

Kilduff said he does not anticipate any issues with the new date.

“I don’t see any challenges,” he said. “The only challenge, the governor has alleviated, and that is to create a holiday so that the schools are closed. It replicates the same guidelines that exist for the April start. It’s the same thing.”

NEW LOCATION

Boston Marathon runners once again will race down Main Street, but it will take place in the fall instead of the spring this year.

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

o hear Hopkinton Select Board member John Coutinho tell it, there was never any consideration given to canceling the Boston Marathon. It was always a matter of when, not if, it would take place.

At a press conference in Boston on March 13, Boston Athletic Association officials, Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Coutinho announced that the race would be rescheduled to Sept. 14, a Monday that will be declared a state holiday called Marathon Day. Coutinho, who serves as the town’s liaison to the BAA, raved about the “cooperation and collaboration” that took place, saying it’s a great example of how the relationship between Hopkinton and race organizers has improved in the last few years.

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“Over the last six years, since I’ve been the liaison, we’ve really worked on the relationship,” Coutinho said.

“Because for so many years it seemed to be — I wouldn’t call it adversarial, but it was, ‘You’re coming to use our town, what are you going to give us?’ And not understanding that it’s part of us. It’s four generations, a hundred years. It’s a part of who we are.”

It will be a part of Hopkinton again in 2020, just five months later than usual. To some, including 26.2 Foundation executive director Tim Kilduff, that’s more than acceptable.

“It adds a new chapter in the history of the Boston Marathon that’s going to strengthen its position not only in Massachusetts but in marathoning worldwide,” Kilduff said. “This is incredible what they’ve done. You can’t underestimate it. I think they have now set the stage for what will be one of the most important and famous Boston

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020

Students organize high-end auto expo

By Michelle Sanford Contributing Writer

An attendee will win a ride in this $800,000 Lamborghini Aventador SV LP750-4 during the Hopkinton Concours car show.

H

opkinton Concours Supercar Exposition, a first of its kind car show in Hopkinton, will have auto enthusiasts coming to town to check out some pretty high-end marques. As a result, the Hopkinton High School parking lot will be full of amazing luxury cars to check out, including a Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren, just to name a few.

The charity auto show is the brainchild of Aditya Dutta, along with classmate Reilly DelPonte, who is helping out. Both are juniors at HHS. “I’ve always loved cars, they’re kind of my thing,” said Dutta. “I’ve been to a lot of car shows in the past and I’ve really enjoyed them.”

It was during a trip overseas when Dutta’s interest really peaked.

“I went to Dubai and there were

a lot of high-end cars there and that’s when I became more and more interested,” he said.

DelPonte also has a love of cars, but his passion is more about paint-

ing the cars he sees and producing high-quality artwork of those highend autos.

As of mid-March there were 25 cars registered to take part in the expo,

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with a combined worth of $6 million.

There is no admission charge to attend the event, but the two students are looking to raise funds for the Jimmy Fund and are asking for donations.

Dutta explained he’s not organizing the car show as part of a community service project for school but rather for his love of cars. In doing so, he thought why not make it a fundraising event to help out an organization as well.

“It was just something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve heard a lot of good things the Jimmy Fund does, so that’s the charity we picked,” he said.

“They’ve been great to work with, very accommodating.”

In addition to the cars on display, there also will be opportunities for attendees to win some prizes. The grand prize is a ride in a Lamborghini worth $800,000. A donation of $3 per ticket is being suggested. Four lucky individuals will win a $25 gift card to Bittersweet Co., and two buckets of car detail supplies courtesy of Detail Garage in Swansea also are being raffled.

Sponsors of the event include Bittersweet Co., Boston Auto Painting, Luxury Details, Q Car Care, Detail Garage and MassWraps, along with the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Originally scheduled for April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the car show might be moved to May 10 due to coronavirus concerns. Those interested in attending should check for the latest information at hopkintonconcours.wixsite.com/carshow, or the Hopkinton Concours page on Facebook or Instagram.

The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020 • 9

Education Station excels at mindful learning

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

C

hristine Chapman and Sims Yun are poised to have either onsite or online programs for youth this summer, depending on public health recommendations.

“We are ready to offer online work this summer, if we need to,” stated Chapman.

“We are no strangers to educating students online and know we can provide an effective learning environment to support our youth, either way.”

This summer marks the second year Education Station will offer robust programming for students of all ages.

Chapman and Yun are excited to continue their passion and vision of providing goaloriented, mindful learning. Hopkinton families have come to respect their work and expect the best.

“At Education Station, we are committed to helping young people feel known, engaged and confident,” said Chapman, “but we also want our students and families to use us as they need us.”

Here’s what the Education Station team has planned for this summer: Summer Academy: Offers students in first through fifth grades opportunities to strengthen math, writing and reading comprehension skills.

Middle/High School Math Centers: Supports students where they need help most — with skill development for math

subject areas including pre-algebra, algebra I and geometry. These sessions will help students progress, fill gaps and learn effective math study skills.

Middle School Summer Book Club: Engages middle schoolers in 90-minute work sessions offering them structure as they respond to key questions about assigned or personally selected summer titles.

AP Bio Essentials: Offers students an intensive week of AP biology foundation and groundwork, readying students for this challenging science course.

ACT and SAT Prep (a successful 24-hour program): Runs in two formats — over a six-week period or over a two-week period — for students who prefer a more intense, concentrated test prep experience.

College Application Bootcamps and College Process Workshops: Provides students with the guidance they need to tackle any aspect of college applications.

Chapman underscores the fact that Education Station has been “working with students online and in-person for a long time and is committed to supporting our community as we all navigate uncharted territory together.”

Discover more at educationstationhopkinton.com or call 508-625-1663.

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

Plan now for ultimate fun experience with Parks & Rec programs

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

F

un. Stimulation. Skill building. Count on this and more with any of the innovative programming sponsored by Hopkinton Parks and Recreation. Check back frequently for additional offerings.

New: Fun and exciting, ultimate Frisbee for boys and girls starts in April. It’s a great option for youth to be part of a team, learn new skills and develop character.

New players (only) may sign up with no registration fee by calling and asking for a fee override.

The men’s summer softball league (ages 18 and over) takes place on Hopkinton High School turf under the lights, Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (June 22 to Aug. 19). Players provide their own equipment. Pitch counts and run limits will be included so games move quickly but remain competitive.

STEM learning: Check out options for hands-on science and math education, circuitry and computer programming projects.

Little Hillers (ages 5-7) may join Playground Groups at Center School for fun-filled weeks of arts and crafts, sports, games and a weekly visit from entertainers such as Animal Adventures, the HighFlying Frisbee Dogs, Top Secret Science and more. Each week ends with a pizza

and popsicle party.

Junior Hillers (ages 8-12) meet at Elmwood School for a week of Olympic events, field trips to Sandy Beach, Water Wizz Amusement Park and more. These popular sessions end with an Olympic ceremony, pizza and popsicles.

Youngsters will enjoy tennis lessons to improve hand-eye coordination and develop skill sets in basic moves (forehand, backhand, overhead and serves) or the co-ed Frozen Ropes baseball program with instructors to improve game skills.

Young athletes looking to improve skills will benefit from any of the sports clinics — boys and girls basketball, lacrosse, field hockey, football, and track and field.

Children’s social skills workshops provide youngsters opportunities to feel self-reliant and confident in any social situation by training through interactive lessons taught by a certified etiquette consultant.

To register, visit hopkintonrec.org, call program coordinators Colleen or Jenny at 508-497-9750 or stop by the office (85 Main St.) weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020

Schools Schools settle for 8.26 percent budget increase Town taps into Legacy Farms HCA to help make ends meet

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

B

y a 3-2 vote, Hopkinton School Committee members on March 12 approved a fiscal year 2021 budget of $51.9 million, a reduction of $323,000 from the amount the school district had requested but more than the town had initially projected.

The budget represents an increase of 8.26 percent over the current budget, an increase fueled by the town’s growing school population. The district had sought $52.3 million. The budget adds more than 40 positions.

The town had directed departments to limit increases to 5.4 percent, but the schools quickly determined that was not feasible due to existing contractual obligations

along with the surge in enrollment.

“The community heard the concerns and the impact of growth,” Town Manager Norman Khumalo said at the joint meeting of the Select Board and School Committee on March 12. He described the added positions as a “substantial increase” over current staffing levels.

In reaching the final budget figure, he said the town was “very careful not to impact direct instructional services to our wonderful kids.”

Two nights earlier, at the Select Board meeting on March 10, Khumalo explained that the additional money would come from funding created by the Legacy Farms host community agreement (HCA).

Khumalo noted that this is a one-time fix and could lead to issues in future years, including the need for tax

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overrides.

“That sets us up with a potential problem in the FY21 budget if the new, more aggressive enrollment projections being used by the schools prove to be correct,” he said.

Select Board member Brian Herr supported tapping into the Legacy Farms HCA funds, stating, “This is exactly what that money was designed to do,” because many of the new students are residents of the new Legacy Farms development.

Added Herr: “This is a pretty unique budget year for a lot of different reasons. Increases are all about the growth in the town of Hopkinton. I’ve always been pretty aggressive in trying to manage the budget process, and managing the numbers. … But when the town is growing this fast, when the schools are growing this fast, we can’t put that great institution in any kind of jeopardy. So, I, this year, as crazy as it sounds, support these kinds of increases in general.”

In supporting the budget, School Committee chair Meena Bharath said that while she would “love to see an 8.9 percent increase … I understand the constraints.”

School department director of finance Susan Rothermich said the $335,000 shortfall was a “manageable reduction. I think we can figure out how to manage this budget.”

Requesting an override for such a small figure would “annoy people,” Herr said, and be “difficult to sell.”

He urged the committee to find a way to make the budget work.

School Committee member Meg Tyler said the reductions could be made, as an example, by cutting a proposed webmaster position. She also questioned the need for an assistant middle school football coach and wondered if the position could be filled by a volunteer. “I don’t think we’re really in a bad spot,” she said.

Committee member Amanda Fargiano said that although she worried about revenue streams, “We can probably find the money” to make the cuts required. She said she was mindful that the overall town budget made “significant cuts” on the municipal side.

In casting a dissenting vote, committee member Nancy Cavanaugh said she is “not comfortable making budget cuts without knowing what they are.”

The reductions, she said, “would impact students.”

Committee member Jen Devlin also voted against further cuts to the budget, which she said is “as lean as it can be.” She said the $323,000 figure is “still a lot” and, “It’s going to affect the kids.”

In response to a question about the impact of the cuts, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Cavanaugh said the reduced number “can work, but it will have an impact.”

Select Board chair John Coutinho praised the cooperation among town boards to reach an agreement. “We have to take care of each other,” he said.

The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020 • 11

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ike Rabinovich has been playing basketball in Worcester and going to school there for the past four years, so the chance to stay in his adopted city and be part of a rebuilding program led the Hopkinton resident to commit to Holy Cross to continue his hoops career.

“The proximity and the opportunity to build a really strong program here in the Central Mass. area really resonated with me in their pitch to me,” Rabinovich said.

“I feel like I’ve developed a strong relationship with their entire coaching staff.”

A senior at Worcester Academy, Rabinovich said he eyed several other schools in Holy Cross’ conference, the Patriot League, as well as schools in the Ivy League and America East. He narrowed his choices down to Holy Cross, Lehigh, and Brown before settling on the Crusaders.

He said the coaching staff and the upward trajectory of the program played a big role in his decision. Brett Nelson became the Holy Cross coach before the start of this season after spending five years on the coaching staff at Marquette, helping the Golden Eagles to two NCAA tournament trips and an NIT appearance.

This winter was a struggle for Holy Cross, which finished the season with a 3-29 record. But in joining a rebuilding program, Rabinovich said he will have a great deal of opportunity to play right away.

“I still know I need to go in there and work hard,” he said. “I am looking forward to putting my nose to the grindstone and seeing what kind of an impact I can make.”

Standing 6-foot-10 and checking in at around 210 pounds, Rabinovich calls himself a “late bloomer.” Last year he averaged single-digit minutes with Worcester Academy. But this year he has taken on a bigger role on and off the court. Rabinovich is a team captain and playing 25 minutes per game as a member of the starting lineup.

Rabinovich says his goal is to get a double-double every time out and he is close to averaging those numbers. He is scoring nine points and pulling down seven rebounds per game, shooting 50 percent from the field.

“This is my first year playing a lot of minutes and gaining valuable experience in game situations,” he said. “It’s going to be important to continue to develop a knack for knowing how to handle those type of late-game scenarios.”

Rabinovich’s contributions have helped the team to an 18-10 record and several Rabinovich | 12

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020

HHS spring sports pushed back

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n the fall, Eastern equine encephalitis forced all town activities to end at dusk.

It created a challenge for scheduling fall sports, but compared to this spring’s developments, that was a minor inconvenience.

On March 16, with students already being kept out of school, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) pushed back the start of spring high school sports six weeks to April 27 due to the coronavirus outbreak. “Like most things right now it’s more of a wait-and-see,�

Hopkinton High School athletic director Rich Cormier said.

SPORTS ROUNDUP “Between what we get for guidance from the state and Gov. [Charlie] Baker as well as obviously on the national level, each day it’s like a new proclamation comes out on when things are going to be shut down.

I think it’s going to take a few weeks to see if this is going to do any positive of the flattening of the curve before they figure out when we’re going to be Obviously these are back in school.� unprecedented circumstances.

If the season does start April 27 — three weeks after HopI’m just hopeful we can get our kinton students were expected students out and have some to return to classes based on the mid-March plan — Cormier ansemblance of a spring season. ticipates a four-week regular season and two-week state tourna– Rich Cormier ment. While not ideal, it’s a better HHS Athletic Director scenario than that for college athletes, whose spring seasons were canceled in mid-March. “Obviously these are unprecedented circumstances,� Cormier said. “I’m just hopeful we can get our students out and have some semblance of a spring season.�

In the first week after school was postponed some students were gathering at the school fields to practice informally, but Cormier discouraged that. “The whole point of school being canceled is to prohibit groups from getting together,� he said. “It defeats the purpose of why we’re out of school if these teams are getting together informally. Now, with that said, I can 100 percent appreciate why high school students want to get together and start to prepare for their seasons, but it really does defeat the entire purpose of being out of school all this time. So they just really need to find ways to train independently at this time.�

Meanwhile, Cormier will have some additional issues in the fall, as the Boston Marathon was moved to Sept. 14. With much of the fall schedule already in place, it will create some juggling, as Marathon organizers use some of school facilities, including the fields, for a few days.

That will be just a bump in the road compared to the spring issues. But Cormier said it helps that everyone is pulling in the same direction. “They’re all situations that we’re all dealing with together,� he said. “Just like Triple-E, everyone’s kind of in the same boat and people are genuinely working together to try to make these difficult situations as positive as we can for the students.�

HHS boys hoops falls in sectional final If the spring season ends up getting canceled, the boys basketball team will go down in the record books as the last Hopkinton High team to play a game in the 2019-20 season. The Hillers advanced to the Division 2 Central sectional championship before falling to Wayland, 61-49, on March 7.

Hopkinton led for most of the first three quarters. Wayland made its run late in the third, taking a three-point lead heading into the final period and building on its lead down the stretch as the Hillers ran out of gas.

Coach Tom Keane, who battled colon cancer during the season, gushed about his players afterward, saying he was “forever grateful� to them for helping him through the difficult time in his life.

Rabinovich set to continue hoops career at Holy Cross Rabinovich | from page 11

highlight moments this year. Worcester Academy earned a buzzer-beating win over New Hampton. On an individual level, Rabinovich said a highlight was his 19-point, 10-rebound game against Blair Academy in the national prep showcase. “I was pretty happy with that performance,� he said. “With all the good players I am playing with and the role I have on this team, I am just trying to do all I can to help us win.�

And Rabinovich also was keeping close tabs on the Crusaders, frequently attending games. He was planning to watch the postseason with a different perspective this year, imagining himself having the chance to play for a conference title and earn a spot in the big dance (the NCAA tournament eventually was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak). “The basketball tradition at Holy Cross is extremely good, they made the tournament just a few years ago and the goal is to win the Patriot League and make some noise in March Madness,� Rabinovich said. “I have been to a lot of Holy Cross home games this season, and now that I am committed and edging closer to that point in time, I get more excited every time I go.�

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020 • 13

Police Log 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.

March 2

6:47 a.m. A Lumber Street caller reported suspicious activity when a man in a silver van pulled in to her and her neighbor’s driveways and took pictures with his phone. When she asked who he was, he stated he was an equity broker.

The caller was to go to the station later to file a report.

2:14 p.m. A caller reported a truck was stuck in a wire on Oakhurst Road.

Officer Benjamin Stickney responded and reported a wire was hanging low and contacted Verizon.

March 3

2:38 p.m. A Hillcrest Drive caller reported a youth causing a disruption because he may have been accidentally locked out of his house. Officers Jessica Ferreira and Brian Sanchioni responded and spoke with the youth and his parent, and all was OK. 5:31 p.m. A caller reported the odor of natural gas in a Main Street building.

Officer Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department. Eversource was contacted. Five people with flu-like symptoms were evaluated. The boiler in the building was shut down.

March 4

9:07 a.m. A caller reported a Main Street business would not give her her car back. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with both parties about their civil dispute.

3:14 p.m. A Ryegrass Circle resident reported an Amazon driver was following her and trying to talk with her. Officer Derek Morton responded and took a report.

tor vehicle accident on Thayer Heights Road. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and reported a car was driven through a garage at a Briarcliff Road residence.

An ambulance was requested. The driver refused medical attention. The building inspector was requested.

4:45 p.m. A caller reported a black Jeep Wrangler driving on Loop Road with a skateboarder attached. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and spoke to both parties.

5:27 p.m. Multiple calls were received about an erratic operator on Granite Street who hit a stone wall and a pole. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and located the traveling vehicle. An ambulance was requested and transported one person to the hospital. Verizon was contacted, as was a tow truck and the animal control officer.

March 9

2:50 p.m. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a fire on West Main Street. An employee had put out the fire with an extinguisher. No hazardous exposure was found.

March 10

12:54 p.m. A passerby reported heavy smoke coming from a chimney on Elm Street and fire alarms sounding.

Officer Brian Sanchioni responded along with the Fire Department, which reported an oil burner problem.

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March 16

9:26 p.m. On Main Street, Officer Preston Mucciarone arrested Trevis J Santos-Caquias, 23, of 126 Beaver Street, Framingham, and charged him with operation of motor vehicle with license suspended and unlicensed operation of motor vehicle.

March 4

8:26 a.m. On Lumber Street Extension, Officer Ryan Polselli arrested Carlos L. Rivera, 34, of 120 Bel-

March 11

8:33 a.m. Officer Ryan Polselli advised news reporters on school property on Hayden Rowe Street to move.

March 13

4:41 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brian Sanchioni responded to a motor vehicle accident at the bottom of the Interstate 495 ramp on West Main Street. Minimal damage and no personal injury were reported.

5:20 p.m. Officer Preston Mucciarone was flagged down by a passing motor vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street.

The operator reported his windshield was hit by a BB gun pellet near Grove and Pleasant Streets. Officer Mucciarone investigated.

March 14

5:07 a.m. An Oliver Lane resident reported fire alarms sounding in the house.

The caller stated boiler work was recently

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March 6

8:18 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Ryan Polselli responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. Verizon was notified of a damaged pole and the DPW was notified of ground water that iced over as well as a damaged street sign. Officer Polselli provided the driver and passenger with courtesy transports to the high school and home.

11:15 a.m. Chief Edward Lee, Deputy Chief Joseph Bennett and Officer Ryan Polselli checked on a Davis Road resident who was screaming. The individual calmed down and was all set.

March 7

11:11 p.m. Multiple calls were received about a motor vehicle accident on Grove Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Robert Ekross and Stephen Buckley responded and issued a civil citation. A tow truck was requested. No personal injuries were reported.

March 15

1:25 p.m. A caller reported a driver sped up as he was passing a female walking on College Street, nearly hitting her.

The license plate was obtained, and Officer Jay Deiana contacted the driver and advised him of the complaint.

2:13 p.m. A caller reported a case of road rage on Wood Street. The license plate number was given to Officer Jay Deiana, who spoke with all involved parties.

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March 8

3:20 p.m. A caller reported a mo-

done. Officer Stephen Buckley responded along with the Fire Department. The residence was evacuated, the boiler was shut down and the house was ventilated.

10:06 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported a person drove by his house and shot paintballs at his door.

Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival. Officer Mucciarone spoke with the homeowner, and it appeared his house was a random target.

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March 5

1:35 p.m. A caller reported he hit a gas line on John Matthew Road and caused a leak. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department. Eversource was notified and the leak was shut down.

9:06 a.m. Officer Philip Powers conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street and Officers Matthew Santoro and Brian Sanchioni responded as backup. Christopher R. Harnois, 43, of 19 Hayden Rowe St. was arrested on a warrant and also charged with operation of motor vehicle with license suspended, subsequent offense, unlicensed operation of motor vehicle, and marked lanes violation.

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Mark Edward Bell, 64, of Hopkinton passed away surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in New York City and raised in Nanuet, New York, he was the son of the late Florence (Pantano) and Edward F. Bell. He was the husband of 36 years to his beloved wife, Gayle Gonthier-Bell of Hopkinton.

Mark moved to Massachusetts to attend Northeastern University, which began his love affair for all things Boston, particularly the sports teams. After graduating, Mark found success in the world of marketing and technology startups. Mark was avidly passionate about sports, cars and photography.

The greatest love affair of all time was Mark and the New England Patriots, as he has been a season ticket holder for over 19 years. Mark had a love for sports cars, always reading about them and driving them. Mark also was an avid photographer. He volunteered for being our “official” photographer for recreational sports teams, family gatherings and great vacations all over the world.

The most important aspect of Mark’s life was his family. His love and commitment to his family will be his everlasting legacy. Mark’s friendly and positive demeanor made him a fast friend to many, while his confidence and quick wit made him respected by all.

Besides his wife, Mark is survived by his two children, Jeff Bell and his wife and daughter, Amy and Sienna, of Wall, New Jersey, and Marissa Bell of New York City; his mother-in-law, Peg Gonthier of Hopkinton; his brother and sisters-in-law, Gary and Joan Gonthier of Novi, Michigan, Glen and Jennifer Gonthier of Framingham, and Greg and Tricia Gonthier of Bellingham; and his nephews and niece, Bradley, Ryan and Connor Gonthier, and Andrew and Marina Gonthier. He is predeceased by his sister, Karen J. Bell.

A service will take place at a later date, after it is safe to travel. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton (ChesmoreFuneralHome.com). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org).

Paul Schiloski GUTTER CLEANING

Paul J. Schiloski, 74, passed away on March 5 while residing in the Philippines. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Charlotte (Smith) and Robert Schiloski of Hopkinton. He is survived by his sons, Paul Schiloski and Micheal Ricchiazzi of Framingham, along with their children. Paul is also survived by his sister, Lola Dzerkacz and her husband, Frank, of Maynard, his brother, Kenneth Schiloski of Hopkinton, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by

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brothers Robert Schiloski Jr. and Philip Schiloski, both of Hopkinton.

Stephen Hayes Stephen M. Hayes, 57, died unexpectedly Feb. 27 at his home. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Edward and Geraldine (Pucci) Hayes.

He was raised in Hopkinton.

Stephen worked as a carpenter with several local construction firms.

Steve loved to fish whenever he was able. While at home, Steve was creative in the kitchen and was a great cook.

Steve was a loyal fan to all of his Boston sports teams, as well as The Three Stooges. Most of all, Steve loved the company of his close friends, many who stayed by his side from his youth to his final days.

Steve is survived by his brothers, Edward Mark Hayes III of Franklin and Christopher Hayes of Whitinsville, and his sister, Alyson Hayes of Boston.

Steve had five nephews of whom he was very proud, Marcus, Dylan, Brandon, Zachary and Nikolas.

Stephen was laid to rest with his father at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for friends and family to share stories and memories of Stephen’s 57 years of life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to his Visiting Nurses at Complete VNA, 89 Main Street, Milford, MA 01757.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home (callanancronin.com).

Robert Priore Robert E. Priore, 74, of Uxbridge passed away Feb. 23 at Milford Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Susan E. (Fahey)

Priore.

He had been employed as an electrician and later as the energy network coordinator at Wellesley College for 37 years before his retirement in 2007.

He was born in 1946 in Natick, the son of the late Palmerino J. and Carmella (Grassey) Priore, and had been a resident of Natick before moving to Uxbridge in 2007. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving during the Vietnam Era. Robert enjoyed woodworking, cabinetry, making furniture and an annual getaway with friends and family on Columbus Day weekends. He took great pride in restoring cars with his son, which included his 1929 Model A Ford and his blue 1967 Chevelle SS. He was a longtime active member of Faith Community Church in Hopkinton and had also recently attended the Valley Chapel in Uxbridge. Along with his wife, they enjoyed traveling and had visited all 50 states in the U.S. In addition to Susan, his wife of 46 years, he is survived by his daughter, Kimberly B. Priore of North Grafton, his son, Douglas R. and his wife, Amanda Priore, of Whitinsville, two sisters, Loretta McNeil of Bellingham

The Hopkinton Independent • March 25, 2020 • 15 and Elizabeth Hartwell of Sherborn, two granddaughters, Jordan and Elise, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Galvin and his granddaughter, Sophia Priore.

A memorial service was held Feb. 29 at Faith Community Church of Hopkinton. Funeral services were under the care of the Buma Funeral Home of Uxbridge (bumafuneralhome.com).

Memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, APDA Mass. Chapter, 72 East Concord St., Room C3, Boston, MA 02118.

Thomas Robson Thomas J. Robson, 23, of Rockland passed away unexpectedly on March 7. He struggled with drug addiction throughout his short life and was turning around his life when he relapsed. He was employed by Rug Merchant in Rockland and loved his job and coworkers. He just recently moved from sober housing to an apartment on his own. Tom was a loving, kindhearted and deeply intelligent person who was dearly loved by his family and all who knew him.

Tom was a very talented writer and enjoyed spending time with his family and trips to Boston. He was excellent at archery and an avid four-wheeler enthusiast prior to his addiction dictating his life. He enjoyed playing disc golf, bowling with his friends, and science and history related documentaries.

He is survived by his mother, Janet Robson of Milford, his father, James Robson of Hopkinton, his sister, Carrie Rose, and his nephew, Jon Piccioli of Upton, his paternal grandmother, Marcia Robson of Hopkinton, aunts Margaret Varnum, Diane Mercier and her husband, Eric, and Susan Varnum, all of Milford, Pamela Daily and her husband, Ed, Donna McRoberts and her husband, Philip, and Paula Robson of Palmer, and uncle Richard Varnum of Thailand. He was predeceased by his aunt, Deborah Leacu, who died in 2018. Deepest appreciation goes to all the facilities who provided support to him, most especially to Tom Knight in Newburyport and Tom Frye in Abington.

A funeral service was to be held March 14 in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brook Recovery Center, 673 Bedford St., Abington, MA or Chris’s Place, P.O. Box 2157, Wakefield, MA 01880.

Vurla O’Hara Vurla Evelyn O’Hara, 88, of Marstons Mills passed away March 12 at home surrounded by her family. Born in 1931 in Gardner to the late Alvin Severance and Doris (Blake) Hill, Vurla was raised in Athol and was a graduate of Athol High School.

Vurla was a member of the Phillipston Congregational Church and a lifetime member of the Phillipston Historical Society. Vurla donated the building where the Historical Society now resides. She was an avid gardener until this past fall and she took pride in her garden. She won the Garden

Achievement Award from the Falmouth Garden Club one year for her beautiful garden at her East Falmouth home.

Vurla also was a volunteer for many years at the Falmouth Hospital. She loved to greet the patients that visited the Faxon Center and help them with their medical needs.

Vurla worked as an executive secretary at L.S. Starrett Co. in Athol.

Vurla is survived by her children, Scott and Peggy Bevis of Hopkinton, and Robert and Betty Anne Bevis of Marstons Mills. She had seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who she loved very much. She also is survived by her brother Kenneth E. Buzzell Jr. and his wife, Peggy, from Gardner.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Gloria Whitman and Judy Johnson, both of Phillipston, her first husband, Thomas E. Bevis, her second husband, Richard S. O’Hara, her sons, Steven T. Bevis and Randy J. Bevis, both from Texas, and a grandson, Garret Ralston of Athol.

Vurla will be missed by all her family and friends. Services, to be scheduled for a later date,, are under the care of the John-Lawrence Funeral Home (ccgfuneralhome.com). Memorial contributions can be made to Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation for VNA of Cape Cod, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Desmond Clark Desmond Edward Clark, age 64, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 14 in Marysville, California.

He was born on Nov. 26, 1955, in Hartford to the late Edward R. Clark and Fabiola Noel Clark. A graduate of Penney High School, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut. After relocating to Florida he maintained a residence in Dania Beach. His work as a troubleshooter in electrical power plants took him to Ghana and Venezuela. Most recently he was employed by

North American Energy Services and was working as a sub-contractor for Calpine in California.

An avid fan of motor sports, he will be most remembered for his quirky sense of humor. He is survived by his sisters, Linda Clark Romagnoli and her husband, Mario Romagnoli, of Dobbs Ferry, New York, Marie Clark Large and her husband, A. Michael Large, of Sanford, North Carolina, and Diane Clark Casavant and her husband, Louis Casavant, of Hopkinton; and his brother, Edward John Clark and his wife, Mary Tranquillo Clark, of Jupiter, Florida. He also leaves many nieces and nephews, Anna Romagnoli, Edmund Romagnoli, Laura Casavant Pahigiannis, David Casavant, Michael Large, Zachary Large, Edward Clark and Nicholas Clark.

Mass of Christian Burial was held March 10 at St. Christopher Church in East Hartford, Connecticut, followed by burial at Silver Lane Cemetery.

To leave an online condolence visit newkirkandwhitney.com.

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WINE

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Julio’s Liquors and COVID-19 We remain committed to staying open and bringing some normalcy during these trying times. We are here to serve our local community and loyal customers.

In order to keep our employees and customers as safe as we can while we are open, we are limiting our hours to 10am-7pm Monday through Sunday. We are also canceling all in store tasting events through April 7th.

We are now offering delivery as well as in store pickup and curbside pickup (within one hour from the time you’ve finalized your order).

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