Hipkinton Independent March 24, 2021

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 6 | March 24, 2021

Schools settle on April dates for full-time return

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

H

PHOTO/DAVID HUGHES

opkinton elementary schools will reopen full-time April 5 and the middle and high school on April 26, School Committee members agreed at their March 11 meeting.

Remote learning will be available through the end of the year, but remote learners also will have the option to return to school full-time.

For the elementary schools, students will keep their current teachers, except in cases where remote learners change to full-time classroom and vice versa, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said.

Class sizes should not change, she said. Social distancing would be reduced to 3-4 feet “from the center of desk to the center of desk,” she said, with 6 feet maintained during lunch and mask breaks.

Committee members unanimously agreed to the April 5 reopening. The state mandated that elementary schools must

FROSTY LOOK

An Eastern bluebird checks out its surroundings, which included traces of snow before spring weather hit the region late last week.

Survey: Residents have high opinions of town

Reopening | 19

INSIDE

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

C

Survey | 13

VIEWPOINT

Marathon legend Hoyt leaves legacy in town PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

onsidering the strong reputation Hopkinton has established over the past decade — with schools and safety consistently ranking high in regional and national ratings — it should be no surprise that residents give the town high marks as well.

But with all that’s been going on lately, some positive feedback is welcome news to community leaders.

National Research Center (NRC) conducted a community satisfaction survey of residents last fall, and the results were shared at the March 16 Select Board meeting.

NRC’s Damema Mann said surveys were sent to 1,700 households and 589 returned them (35 percent).

She gave the survey a +/- 4 percent

Work continues behind Hopkinton High School, where classrooms are being added. In a recent survey, 77 percent of responding residents indicated school expansion was a priority for the next five years.

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NEWS

Town Meeting date, site likely to be changed

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SCHOOLS

Classes continue at HHS despite COVID surge

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Town rallies around local restaurants

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: Jean Cann, Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland 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.

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The Spoon reopened for business March 10 after a six-week hiatus for renovations.

Owner Sam Prescott said the Lumber Street diner now is better equipped to handle an increase in takeout business as well as expanded outdoor dining.

P

erhaps no businesses have faced a bigger challenge during the pandemic than restaurants.

Now, with restrictions loosening, restaurants are hoping to bounce back. And the community is doing its part to help.

The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Restaurant Week from May 14-23, during which time there will be promotions, raffles and other incentives to visit local establishments.

“Obviously the service industry has taken a significant hit during COVID, so we were thinking this would be a good way to support the local restaurants and eateries in town,” said Paul Ostrander of Ostrander Insurance, who is organizing the event along with Bryan Brown from Guaranteed Rate. “We’re just trying to encourage people to shop local. Especially over the next year or two. We have a lot of great places in Hopkinton to eat and to shop, and people should take advantage of it as much as they can.”

One such establishment is The Spoon, which reopened March INDEPENDENT 10 after a six-week hiatus. Owner Sam Prescott — now the sole THOUGHTS owner, as former co-owner Bill Morgan has taken on a new venture, opening a seafood market across Lumber Street — said JERRY SPAR the temporary closing was so she could make some changes to the diner’s layout to better accommodate an increase in takeout orders and outdoor seating.

“Even before the pandemic our takeout business was incredibly busy. Now it’s even increasingly busy, and I think it will stay that way for a few years,” Prescott said. “And since last summer we started using the patio outside, and we’re planning on continuing that for many years. So with the additional seats outside we just needed more space to operate inside. The flow will be nicer, and we will be better prepared for the future.”

Like many restaurants in town, The Spoon is a family affair.

Prescott, who graduated from Hopkinton High School in 2010 and first started working at The Spoon when she was 14, bought into the business five years ago when it moved to its current location. Her mother, Mary, helps run the business, as does Sam’s aunt, Joanne Sables, who has worked at The Spoon for almost 40 years.

“I wouldn’t be able to be where I am or do what I’m doing without the support of my family, and my mom is a very key part in that,” Prescott said. “She’s been absolutely amazing. And my Aunt Joanne holds it all together, and she has for many decades.”

Prescott said business has been good since the reopening, and she is hopeful things will continue to improve.

“I wasn’t expecting too much, still being in the pandemic,” she said. “A lot of our clientele are young families and we have a lot of elderly population, so I didn’t think we’d see a super jump-back into it right away. Honestly, I see great things for the upcoming spring and summer seasons, just what I’ve seen so far.

So I’m really happy with where we’re at and where we’re headed.”

Added Prescott: “I really want to thank the community for continuing to support us. They’re really amazing, It makes it easier to run a business with the support that they give.”

Another family-run business is Carbone’s, which last September announced it would be closing soon after 87 years as it sought a buyer for the property on Cedar Street. However, Peter Carbone said recently that he and his sister, MaryAnn Lorentzen, who own the business, decided they would keep the restaurant open while it remains for sale.

Independent thoughts | 3

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The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 3 Independent thoughts | from page 2

Chuck, Ann, and Mike have LISTED and SOLD 7 homes in the past 5 weeks

Hopkinton mourns Hoyt

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Flowers sit on the statue of Team Hoyt in front of Center School on March 17 following the announcement that Dick Hoyt had died earlier that day at the age of 80.

Dick Hoyt was memorialized in Hopkinton in 2013 when a bronze statue was erected in front of Center School showing him pushing his son, Rick, in a wheelchair.

Team Hoyt competed in 32 Boston Marathons and hundreds of other races — including, amazingly, triathlons — and inspired millions around the world.

Hoyt, who retired from running Boston with Rick after the 2014 race due to health issues, died March 17 at the age of 80.

“Dick and Rick Hoyt had a real and heartfelt connection to Hopkinton, and the feeling was mutual,” said 26.2 Foundation executive director and Hopkinton resident Tim Kilduff. “I’ll remember that connection every time I walk past the Team Hoyt sculpture in front of Center School just a few feet from the Boston Marathon start line, a place that meant so much to Dick.”

Team Hoyt suffered another devastating loss last June when Bryan Lyons, who in 2015 took over pushing Rick in Boston, passed away suddenly at the age of 50.

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Vietnam War Veterans Day March 29 National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which was established in 2012, is March 29. With pandemic restrictions still in place, Hank Allessio, who organizes events for veterans in town, said there are no activities scheduled this year.

Local Vietnam veteran Barry Rosenbloom said he’s not concerned about any recognition for himself, but he’s pleased to see the respect with which more recent vets have been treated.

“I’m really glad that the last 20 years has been recognized for the current war vets, since 9/11 forward,” Rosenbloom said. “I am glad to see that the country is backing them so much.”

Baypath seeks foster families Baypath Humane Society is putting out a call for community members to care for a dog in their home temporarily until the shelter finds them a permanent home.

“Fostering dogs is an incredible experience,” said longtime Baypath volunteer Leslie Doyle. “There is no better feeling than when a frightened dog comes out of their shell and starts to relax and trust you.”

Baypath needs volunteers on a short-term basis who can care for puppies in need of socialization, dogs recovering from or awaiting a medical Bella, who struggles with living in a shelter, is procedure, shy or scared dogs who one of the dogs for whom Baypath Humane need a place to unwind, and dogs Society is seeking a foster home. who need help learning new skills like leash walking or house training.

Baypath covers medical costs through the shelter veterinarian and is happy to provide food and supplies. The shelter also provides expert behavioral support to help set up each dog for success. Learn more at baypathhumane.org.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Center School preferable for Main Street construction staging (Editor’s note: The following is an open letter to the town manager, Select Board and Parks & Recreation.)

Reasons for using Center School as a staging area for the downtown project: 1. The open field at Center School will only be used by 5-7-year-old campers for 30 days: June 26-August 11. That is a total of 210 hours. The campers often use the Common instead of the field because the Common is cooler and has shade.

2. Storing equipment and supplies along Marathon Way will create a negative perception of our beautiful Common. It will also impact the use of the Common by a variety of groups during the spring, summer and fall.

3. Construction workers will use many of the valuable parking spaces around the Common.

4. The short distance between Center School and Marathon Way will not seriously impact the total length of time of the duration of the downtown project.

5. The construction will probably go from March 18 through the end of November. That will mean 184 days of disruption on Marathon Way. Compare that to 30 days of campers using Center School.

Thank you for considering our request to use Center School instead of Marathon Way for the supplies, equipment and parking for the downtown project. Many of our neighbors feel the same way.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

— Rick and Beth Kelly, Hopkinton

Chamber’s Economic Development Council opposes tree-cutting article (Editor’s note: The following is an open letter to the Planning Board regarding a proposed tree-cutting bylaw that the board discussed at its March 15 meeting.)

On behalf of the Hopkinton Chamber’s Economic Development Council, please let this letter serve as our overwhelming opposition to the proposed tree protection article. It is clear that a few key questions and points need to be injected into the discussion with particular focus on the contradictions that this article creates when paired with our existing zoning bylaws.

There is certainly reason for concern and complaint over recent solar development and how that has impacted some of our abutting neighborhoods. This is a task worth taking action on. However, this article is far too overreaching and creates more problems than it solves.

There is a reason that Hopkinton is such a special community and in part is a result of our albeit complex but well-planned zoning. The very zoning that has

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resulted in creating the town that we all know and love.

If the goal here is to limit solar development, is it wise that prudent commercial and residential development be collateral damage? That prudent growth which we frankly need desperately to keep our budgets and corresponding taxes at a reasonable level.

Furthermore, there is a question of government overreach here. Such a restrictive bylaw that tells property owners which trees they can cut down has the potential to open the town up to lawsuits.

We would ask that the Planning Board look at alternative strategies that focus clearly on solar development instead of a dangerous blanket bylaw which creates more red tape, confusion and contradictions.

— J. Nicholas Slottje, Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and chair, Economic Development Council

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 Emergency Fund makes initial fundraising push

By David Rosner Contributing Writer

H

opkinton has firmly established itself as an upper middle class town, with home prices soaring into seven figures.

However, there are residents who struggle to make ends meet, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated that problem.

Enter the Hopkinton Emergency Fund (HEF).

“A lot of people look at Hopkinton as a very wealthy town, but there are people struggling everywhere,” said Hannah Krueger, HEF co-executive director. “People are very good at hiding their struggle, whether emotionally or financially.”

Added Zack Sisitsky, a junior at Georgetown University as well as the founder and co-executive director of the HEF: “Just because you do not qualify for government assistance doesn’t mean you don’t need help. There are Hopkinton residents who are hovering right over the poverty line. Suburban poverty is real, and it’s a reality in Hopkinton often overlooked.”

The HEF (hopkintonemergencyfund. org) is a private, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide temporary emergency financial assistance to residents through collaboration with existing human service organizations. The nonprofit seeks to unify the Hopkinton community by recognizing its responsibility to support residents faced with emergencies by providing financial assistance to meet basic needs.

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After learning of similar programs in other towns and hearing talk about starting one in Hopkinton, Sisitsky decided to address the need for an emergency fund in his hometown last spring. After discussing it with Krueger, a longtime family friend, the idea began to grow into a reality last June.

After many Zoom calls, and through the deep involvement of a fundraising committee and board in Hopkinton, the fund solidified its network in town. The HEF reached out to prominent members of the community, whether an organization, business or individual, in order to garner support. Last March, the HEF established partnerships with Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, Project Just Because, St. Vincent de Paul and the Hopkinton Senior Center. These four organizations help residents who are in need of assistance. If the organization cannot provide the financial support necessary, that is when the HEF would be called.

Explained Sisitsky: “We are a financial backstop for our partner organizations.”

The HEF is preparing to launch its first public fundraising effort, aiming to raise at least $10,000 so it can immediately begin helping people. All the HEF needs is the financial backing to do so, as its confidential referral process with human resource organizations already is established. The initial fundraising campaign will run from March 15-26, and the entire Hopkintonbased board has been working hard to meet its goals. The HEF also continues to look for volunteers, including additional committee members.

Looking at the long-term future, Krueger said she hopes the HEF “becomes a household name in Hopkinton, and an organization that can point people in the right direction.”

Sisitsky sees “annual fundraisers in the coming years that become a part of the community.”

Both Krueger and Sisitsky say they want to do their part to help the town in which they were raised and have many fond memories.

“I am extremely fortunate to have grown up in Hopkinton,” Krueger said. “[The town] has shaped who I am. I want to continue to develop and sustain the [already] strong sense of community in the town.”

Added Sisitsky: “Hopkinton gave me so much growing up. I think it is a great opportunity to give back. I want to pay it forward.”

The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 5

Wood if he could

Local furniture builder takes on challenging projects

Above: John Foster poses next to the altar he crafted for Saint John the Evangelist parish.

Left: Foster works out of a converted barn behind his home on Pleasant Street.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

By Evanya Mathur Contributing Writer

J

ohn Foster had been taking things apart and putting them back together ever since he was a little boy, but it wasn’t until he stepped inside a woodworking shop at Boston University’s Program in Artisanry that he actually saw the real craft. This emerged a feeling in him, one of knowing and calling.

“It was like a switch flipped, and I knew this is what I wanted to do,” said Foster, now 62.

Foster’s career spans over 30 years, dating back to 1987 when the Indiana native moved to a home in Hopkinton with a barn in the back and dedicated his career to building a business in town.

Through his business, Foster Custom Furniture (fostercustomfurniture. com), he has created pieces of furniture for members of the community as well as institutions that keep Hopkinton vibrant. Among his notable pieces are an altar and pulpit for Saint John the Evangelist parish, a display cabinet and time capsule bench for the Hopkinton Public Library, and a roll-top bench located at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA).

“The bench was just such an amazing addition to the HCA, and I am just so happy that a small business from Hopkinton could complete it,” HCA executive director Kelly Grill said.

Said Foster: “I am just so humbled and honored that I was able to do it.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Foster has seen a downturn, primarily due to safety precautions. However, because he has minimal overhead — he

operates out of a barn behind his home on Pleasant Street and works independently — he’s been able to stay afloat during trying times for small businesses.

Helping to keep Foster’s passion for woodwork and joinery alive is tackling new challenges that come with producing pieces for each client.

“People will come to me with projects that don’t exist, and so you are solving a whole new set of problems,” he said. This includes his latest endeavor, an expandable 12-foot dining table.

Foster also introduces ways of incorporating scientific methods of problem-solving and creative methods of design when working on his projects. Using his method of presentation drawings by hand, he is able to capture the elements of detailed joinery, which helps him create on an even more meaningful level.

“If I can draw it, and I can solve the problems on paper, I am pretty sure that I can build it in real life — the process of going from two-dimensional to three,” he said.

Using this process, he is confident he can complete any project, no matter how big or small, while always striving for his best work.

In addition to his craftsmanship, Foster takes equal pride in treating customers fairly.

“I aim for 100 percent satisfaction,” he said. “If I give people a price, I stick to the price, and that is just good morals on my part.”

Foster said anyone considering whether to establish their own business would be wise to heed one key principle: Always be honest.

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

RE/MAX Realtor Lucchesi stays on top of market trends

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

S

andy Lucchesi offers 17 years’ real estate experience in Hopkinton and surrounding towns. She loves educating others about current market trends.

“This is one of the most fascinating markets I’ve seen in my long career,” Lucchesi said. “Sellers have an opportunity, like never before, to sell at historically high prices, and then there are so many options for consideration.”

Buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, today are faced with the reality of a housing shortage, having only 30 minutes viewing time, and then competeing with multiple buyers’ offers.

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“Within 24 hours, the couple decided to try it,” Lucchesi said. “They moved into a newly constructed apartment in the Seaport and they’re ecstatic about it.”

While the couple enjoys discovering the city’s amenities, Lucchesi will continue to work with them on their

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Another client transitioned from Boston back to the suburbs. However, he missed everything the city had to offer, so Lucchesi found him a rental apartment in Boston in order to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Further, by expanding her carefully developed contacts, Lucchesi also has helped clients successfully transition from Hopkinton to The Pinehills in Plymouth.

“I understand the transitions these clients are going through,” Lucchesi said. “Selling real estate is more than contracts, it’s about offering people opportunities to consider a new lifestyle.”

Lucchesi admits this might not work for everyone, but for those who are open, she delights in helping develop and work through their plans.

“I want people to understand the available options,” Lucchesi said. “And so far, several clients are excited with the life changes they’re making.”

As a member of RE/MAX Executive Realty, Lucchesi has access to a powerful team of resources.

“I work for one of the most phenomenal brokerages,” Lucchesi said.

“My Hopkinton office at 22 South Street ranked number one for all RE/MAX business in New England last year.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 7

Planning Board questions Wilson Street solar developer’s stormwater plan

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

“Things that should be done by a certain time should be done by a certain time,” added vice chair Rob Benson.

“This is not what we as members of the Planning Board are looking for.”

In response, Ahmed Hafez from Grasshopper said the vegetation is planned and the gravel is “a hypothetical situation.”

“Gravel is not a contingency plan to growth,” Kramer countered.

Ted Barker-Hook of the Conservation Commission said he was concerned about setting a precedent if the project was approved on a contingency.

“It seems the root issue is the density of solar panels,” he said. “If this project is approved, other solar developers may use this project as a template.

The applicant decided to withdraw and work with BETA until the next Planning Board meeting on March 29.

McGuinness opined that “the goalposts keep getting changed,” but Trendel disagreed.

“There was not resolution between two weeks and today,” Trendel said, “and

that’s still an issue. In my opinion, the goalposts have not moved there.”

ConCom OK with tree clearing Meanwhile, the Conservation Commission at its March 9 meeting voiced support for Grasshopper to start clearing a limited number of trees as part of the project.

The commission reviewed two requests from Grasshopper regarding site clearing on a non-jurisdictional area and a field change request.

“I think that the issue most pressing to us is the ability to move forward with the site clearing,” King explained. “We apologize again for the miscommunication at the last hearing.”

At the previous hearing there was an issue concerning which trees were to be cleared. Since that time, the trees that are to be removed were flagged. That was confirmed by town consultant Matt Varrell of Lucas Environmental. Varrell said he visited the site March 8 to review it with company representatives.

Town Meeting date appears likely to change

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

own clerk Connor Degan and Town Meeting moderator Tom Garabedian joined the Select Board at its March 16 meeting to discuss the possibility of moving Town Meeting from May 3 (a Monday night) in order to obtain a more suitable location. The meeting normally is held at the Hopkinton Middle School auditorium, but due to the pandemic, an outside location and a bigger indoor facility are being considered, and either would necessitate a change in the date, Degan said.

There was some initial talk about holding Town Meeting in June at the football field behind Hopkinton High School, but Degan said there were concerns about conflicting with graduation — also scheduled for the field in early Town Meeting | 8

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

he Planning Board at its March 15 meeting urged Grasshopper Energy to revise its stormwater mitigation plan as part of its plan to construct a 2.4 megawatt solar array off Wilson Street, advising that the area underneath the proposed solar panels should not use gravel to prevent runoff.

At the continued public hearing, Grasshopper Energy sought approval for a proposed amendment to a solar special permit as well as a stormwater management permit. While the changes to the layout of the internal access road were not brought up for debate, the issue remained whether the seed mix underneath the densely packed solar panels would be able to get enough light and water to grow, thereby negatively affecting drainage. About 45 people attended the meeting.

Chris King from Atlantic Design Engineers, on behalf of the applicant, said that he had been in correspondence with Phil Paradis from BETA, the town’s engineering consultant, on this issue since the last meeting due to the spacing and height of the panels. They “came to an impasse, so to speak,” he noted, as far as what could grow there.

“There are other ways to stabilize the site, one of which is gravel,” King explained. “It doesn’t sound as magnificent as the pollinator mix that we’re proposing and we stand by. And that is certainly going to be our first option, because there are developer incentives to go with a pollinator certified site.”

He added that the contingency plan provided by Goddard Consulting would use gravel in the areas where the seed does not take to prevent silt from running off into the stormwater system and ultimately into the wetlands. The postdevelopment flows are under the predevelopment flows at both the two- and 10-year marks, with the only increase being 4 percent if a 100-year storm were to occur. There also are 2,500 linear feet of shallow infiltration trenches not accounted for in the model “proposed from day one” to help with the sloped areas.

Paradis countered that the soil in that area of town “is very silty” and that the town has had issues with drainage in the Legacy Farms area with other projects.

“We just want to make sure that it’s going to grow and be able to be maintained,” he said, noting the narrowness of space between the panels to perform work. Stone swales are helpful to the project as long as they don’t become filled with sediment, he added.

One option Paradis recommended, which some members of the Planning Board ultimately favored, was that an erosion control matting be installed before the seed is planted.

“If they were to use the gravel or crushed stone, would that address the concerns that you have?” chair Gary Trendel asked.

Paradis explained he wasn’t sure because he didn’t know how thick the gravel would have to be in this type of soil. He said the mat may be “a better solution.”

“The issue with the mat is that, if we put the mat down over the grass seed, the grass seed will be exposed to even less potential light getting under there,” said Mitch Maslanka, a wetland scientist from Goddard Consulting, on behalf of the applicant.

King said that a compromise could

be reached, “particularly for the sloped areas.”

“This is the kind of stuff that we’d like to work out before we get to this point,” Trendel said of the matting and erosion.

“What my ask would be [is] to work with BETA to come up with a solution that effectively addresses his concerns that [Paradis] is willing to endorse,” he added.

Attorney Anthony McGuinness, on behalf of the applicant, interjected that the stormwater permit had been granted on the existing plan. If it applied to something on the previous plan, it should have been addressed previously, he said.

King noted that time is of the essence on the project, so he asked for a conditional approval of the modification.

Board member Muriel Kramer said she was “a little less comfortable with the use of gravel,” as it had not been mentioned previously.

“We always wanted it to be seeded and be a pollinator friendly field,” she noted.

Members of the Select Board prepare for the start of the 2020 Town Meeting, which was pushed back to September and held outside, in front of Hopkinton High School.

Discussions have been ongoing regarding the date and location of this year’s Town Meeting.

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Planning Board removes tree protection articles from Town Meeting

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

We certainly wanted to look at this from a more

T

he Planning Board voted 7-2 at its meeting on March 15 to remove both articles regarding tree protection from the 2021 Town Meeting warrant, deeming that they needed further input from developers and the real estate community before proceeding to Town Meeting. The board decided to send the issue back to the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) for further discussion.

Rob Benson and Deb Fein-Brug opposed the decision.

Board member Mary Larson-Marlowe, who also chairs ZAC, gave a presentation on what the two bylaws — one

town-wide and development-wide viewpoint.

— ZAC chair Mary Larson-Marlowe

a general bylaw and the other zoning, with very similar language — would entail. She explained that the bylaws came about as a result of commercial groundmounted solar installations and sought to prevent the clear-cutting of trees for such arrays. However, Massachusetts general law prohibits a bylaw that specifically restricts solar development.

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“We certainly wanted to look at this from a more town-wide and development-wide viewpoint,” she said.

The primary concern was regarding the removal of older trees, particularly in residential areas.

As a protection measure, one of the things that was considered was how to measure the amount or percentage of trees that could be cleared. The calculation that would be used is called a basal area.

“Ultimately we did find a measurement called basal area that is a measurement that combines the size which is a measurement of the area of tree trunks and the number of trees into a single unit,” said Larson-Marlowe. It is calculated per acre and is determined by a cross-section of the diameter of the trees.

As per the proposed bylaw, 20 percent cutting of the basal area that exists at the onset could be cut in residential and agricultural zone, and 70 percent in the commercial and professional development zones. If the applicant agreed to replant trees elsewhere, a greater percentage could be cut.

Exemptions to the bylaw would be for any site less than or equal to one acre, any site zoned for a one- or two-family home, and any developments that use the open space land preservation development (OSLPD) bylaw, according to Lawson-Marlowe. Also included would be property in an agricultural zone, the removal of dead or hazardous tree limbs, and public works projects. Trees smaller than 3 inches in diameter also are not part of the bylaw.

One concern raised by chair Gary Trendel is that, after a home is built on a lot of several acres and sold, the cleared lot might then be subdivided and a solar array could be built.

“There’s always loopholes,” LarsonMarlowe replied.

Concern about loopholes was one issue that prevented the measures from moving forward. Another was the desire that developers and realtors be given input.

Chuck Joseph, a real estate agent and developer, said he was not in favor of the bylaw in its current form. He opposed the basal area as a measurement guide, noting it is “primarily a forest management tool.”

“I think it’s a significant misapplication of this formula in this context,” he added.

Bryan Brown, vice president of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, said the proposal seems rushed.

“What other opportunities will the town miss out on, great projects that we haven’t even thought of yet?” he asked.

In addition, the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee submitted a letter to the Planning Board dated Feb. 25 expressing “our overwhelming opposition to the tree protection article.”

“We would ask that the Planning Board look at alternative strategies that focus clearly on solar development instead of a dangerous blanket bylaw which creates more red tape, confusion and contradictions,” the letter stated.

ZAC member Ron Foisy urged the Planning Board to “take the foot off the accelerator” and bring the bylaws up for consideration at the 2022 Town Meeting, with developer and realtor input.

Jeff Doherty said the bylaws would undercut his business. He has had a Massachusetts forestry program on his lot for 36 years. Large trees have been harvested, and the market has crashed, he said. On the other hand, firewood sales have exploded.

“If this bylaw goes into place, you’re taking away my livelihood,” he said.

Trendel said the overall idea was sound, but “the devil is in the details.”

Municipal projects and forestry programs could be added and the basal percentages could be reviewed.

Town Meeting date appears likely to change Town Meeting | from page 7

June. Scheduling it outside also means the town would need to rent a very large tent — an item that is in heavy demand due to an increase in outside activities.

The other main option is the athletic center inside Hopkinton High School.

“We had a conversation just today with the emergency management group, specifically Deputy [Fire] Chief [Bill] Miller, and he was suggesting that we look at potentially instead keeping it in May and potentially trying to aim for if possible outdoors on [May 8] as our top priority, because the current guidelines from the Department of Public Health are still going to say that we should try to get it outside if we can,” Degan said.

“But the other option that we agreed is still a possibility, as kind of a Plan B as well, would be what Tom had said about trying to do it in the field house in the high school.

“Because if we do it even on a weekend still we wouldn’t be interfering with school, even though May is still in the school year, we would be able to just hold it on the weekend, not interfering with school lunches [which use the field house] and hopefully be able to just bang it out in the one day.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Fortunately, we wouldn’t have either issue with interfering with school as long as we’re going to have it on the weekend anyway, so anywhere on the school campus would work. But the issue I know we’re still running into is if we can find a tent. If we can’t find a tent, then we’re either kind of at the mercy of the elements outside or we’re going to go with the field house.”

The Town Election is scheduled for two weeks after Town Meeting, currently May 17, but that also could see a change if Town Meeting is pushed back.

Garabedian said if Town Meeting sticks with an early May date, the HHS athletic center would make the most sense, as it could hold “up to 600 people safely, with doors open and so on. That would avoid any issues with respect to weather.”

The board called a special meeting for March 23 in which it was to discuss moving Town Meeting to Saturday, May 8, and shifting the Town Election to Saturday, May 22.

“It’s very hard to say what we can and can’t do right now based on what the [Department of Public Health] and Governor Baker’s rules that he lays out,” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said.

The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 9

Baypath prepares for another virtual Fur Ball

OPENING DOORS To New Beginnings Baypath Humane Society executive director Elizabeth Jefferis poses with Harley, a recently adopted dog who needed surgery when he arrived at the shelter.

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German shepherd suffering from chemical burns doesn’t know that much of the country has been shuttered for a year.

A cat in labor needing an emergency C-section because of a blockage doesn’t recognize that rescue societies aren’t receiving their traditional financial support.

COVID-19 has changed many things. But the call to care for animals and help them, even when their cases are complex and costly, remains.

“The need has not wavered,” said Elizabeth Jefferis, executive director of Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton.

She said the society has cared for 845 cats and dogs since March 2020, when COVID restrictions were announced.

“In the past year we’ve taken in, cared for and placed as many dogs and cats as we did before the pandemic,” Jefferis said. “The work continues.”

Some of these animals had special circumstances, which adds to the cost of their care.

Those needs previously were funded by events such as the annual Fur Ball, a glittering gala that was last held in person in 2019. That ball drew 400-500 people and raised $75,000.

“That was a big deal for us,’’ Jefferis said.

Last year, with the COVID pandemic starting, the ball was canceled.

This year, with the pandemic still hitting the nation, the in-person event remains on hold.

So, Fur Ball organizers coughed up a new plan.

Donors can swap evening wear for pajamas at a virtual event, Spirits & Snuggles, March 26-28.

The no-cost, weekend-long event allows people to log in for an online auction.

Participants will have the chance to bid on auction items and to “Fund a Need,” which targets a specific service, such as $50 to vaccinate an animal or $100 for spaying.

People also will be asked to “donate

back their ticket.” They will be asked to spend what they would have doled out for all the little things leading up to an in-person gala — such as the cost of a babysitter, hair salon trip and perhaps new clothes or shoes — and instead give that money to the society.

On March 20, a preview of the event began, offering the public a chance to view the auction offerings, which include trips, wine and pet supplies, among other items.

The preview, as well as the actual fundraiser, can be viewed at baypathhumane.org.

Jefferis knows that the organization likely won’t raise as much money as in previous years, due to the economic challenges so many people are facing.

“But we have to try,” she said.

This year, many of the animals taken in by the society have “medical and behavioral needs that are pretty significant,” she said.

These medical needs can be handled through the medical partners that assist the society, but, “We need the resources,” she said.

Support from events such as Spirits & Snuggles “allows us to accepts cases like this” and “continue to say yes to these tough situations,” Jefferis added.

Shortly before the pandemic hit, the Hopkinton Select Board unanimously agreed to lease town land at 66 Fruit St. to the society. Baypath plans to build a new facility there that is nearly four times larger than its current structure at 500 Legacy Farms North.

The pandemic has slowed this process, Jefferis said.

“However, we are still working with the town on that and hope to have more updates soon,” she said.

For now, the organization’s immediate focus is on Spirits & Snuggles.

“We would be extremely grateful if you could help,” she said of the community.

And like everyone else in the country, Jefferis is hopeful for better days ahead, including a gala that will actually feature dancing and face-to-face interaction.

“We can’t wait to be back next year,” she said.

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Inspired by mother, local teen organizes food drive

By John Buday Contributing Writer

A

high school student directed his first large-scale food drive this year in Hopkinton, and his group roughly doubled the amount of food collected for local families in need compared to last year.

Shubhanjay Khanal, a Hopkinton High School junior, took over an event begun by his mother, Shova Khanal Sharma, an executive committee member for the service organization Sewa International. He estimated having doubled the volume of food and the number of pantries that benefited.

“He coordinated so well, and I was so surprised,” Sharma said. “He’s already

working on other projects. I’m so blessed.”

Khanal and his mother volunteered for the Sewa International Boston Chapter.

The nonprofit — named for the Hindu word defining a selfless service or act — dedicates itself to serving those in need regardless of race, religion, gender or other circumstances.

Volunteers aid local communities through projects focused on disaster relief, public hygiene, family services and child education. The Feeding the Hungry Food Drive falls under the family services part of the outreach. Sewa operates food drives throughout Massachusetts.

In Hopkinton, Khanal and his fellow volunteers delivered informational flyers

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Local volunteers for the Sewa Feeding the Hungry Food Drive pose with the items they collected for area pantries.

to more than 400 households. The team returned a week later to collect donated food, which went to area pantries Project Just Because, Worcester Food Bank, Turning Point Shelter and Universal Missionary Church to distribute to families in need.

Sharma, who also coordinated a mask donation project for hospitals early in the pandemic, is planning a new event for Hopkinton: a Sewa art class called Mangal Nidhi, where children can create their own piggy banks. Families may choose to donate at the event to the Feeding the Hungry Program or other Sewa initiatives.

The crafts event will take place sometime in the coming weeks, with more information coming soon.

Khanal also plans to continue volunteering for Sewa. He recently helped with an acrylic painting workshop on March 13, open to children 8 and up. The workshop raised funds for the Sewa International Sponsor a Child program.

“It’s to raise funds for kids who are uneducated around the world,” Khanal said. “Basically, all the funds that are raised will be going to help those kids in need.”

Khanal said he felt honored to inspire others to give back to their community, including his best friend, who ran his own version of the food drive in Westborough.

He said his mother inspired him to action through her work with the Sewa International Boston Chapter.

“Last year when she did the Sewa Food Drive, I was helping her a little bit and that made me realize my small ef-

fort can go a long way,” he said. “Due to COVID, I thought we can do better than last year, and because lots of families were suffering … they needed a hot meal on the table just like we have.”

He texted a group chat of his friends to gauge their interest, and 15 quickly expressed interest in volunteering. One of his friends, HHS sophomore Dhanu Senthilkumaran, also wrote his own article on the food drive for Sewa International’s website.

“I think, especially when he told us, it really inspired us to all work,” Senthilkumaran said. “We all worked really hard to inventory everything and collect all the food. I think he was a really good leader.”

Khanal said he hopes to volunteer for the food drive again at some point. His mother also hopes to see more people in the community involved next year.

“With our peers, a lot of stress, anxiety, everything goes away when they give to the community,” she said. “When they do [something] together with other kids, their thinking level is so different. … Everybody has one goal, to serve the community.”

Added Senthilkumaran: “It’s really gratifying, knowing how your hard work can help one person have a meal for a day, a meal that they would normally not get.

Especially when I went to the shelters, many of the people were just so grateful for the food that we gave, it’s just that feeling of gratitude they have that just makes you want to keep doing it.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 11

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Fundraiser underway for injured HHS grad Moschini

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riends and co-workers launched a fundraiser for former Hopkinton resident Luke Moschini, who was seriously injured in a utility vehicle accident early this month.

A member of the Hopkinton High School Class of 2014 — he played football and basketball and was a standout on the track and field team — Moschini now lives in Abbot, Maine.

On March 6, Moschini was riding in a side-by-side UTV at Sebec Lake when it rolled over, according to Chris McGary, a coworker at Gordon Contracting who organized the fundraiser.

Suffering from multiple head injuries, Moschini was flown by air ambulance to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, and after he was stabilized he was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he had neurosurgery March 8, McGary wrote via email.

McGary said he spoke with Moschini on March 11. “[The previous day] he had his second procedure which was met with great success,” McGary reported. “He still has some procedures to undergo for skull fractures as well as physical and oc-

Luke Moschini

cupational therapy, but he is strong and getting stronger each day. He seemingly has full cognitive recognition and recall — being able to dial phone numbers by recall, knowing voices without seeing someone, etc.”

McGary and his fellow coworkers are eager to see Moschini get healthy and get back home to Maine.

“Luke was been with Gordon Contracting for a couple years and is ‘all-in’ here at work, at home and his community here in Central Maine!” McGary wrote.

“We look forward to his return very soon.”

As of March 17 more than $75,000 had been raised via GoFundMe to help with Moschini’s medical care and rehabilitation. Gordon Contracting promised to match every dollar for the first $25,000 raised.

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

With Main Street work starting, residents cautioned

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Crews set up equipment on Marathon Way last week as work was set to begin on the Main Street Corridor Project.

W

ith crews starting work on the Main Street Corridor Project, town manager Norman Khumalo cautioned residents that it will be a challenging couple of years during the construction phase, and he asked for understanding so the town can get through the process in the “most efficient and least disruptive manner possible.”

“We all understand for the next NEWS BRIEFS 24 months Main Street will be torn up, construction equipment will be moving up and down Main Street and the side streets adjoining Main Street,” he said at the March 16 Select Board meeting. “Most of the town residents, if not all the residents, will be impacted by this project, some a little more than others. For one, I’ve had [Select Board member Brian] Herr reference a large traffic alert sign in front of his house.

He’s assured me he’s tolerating it as best as he can. And my message to the community is we all need to support the project as best as we can to get it done as soon as possible.

“On its part, the town will take all necessary steps to minimize the impact of the construction activities on your neighborhoods. And again, I do sympathize, I do hear the concerns that have been raised with regards to how disruptive this project is going to be. And as we have said in the past and we continue to say now, yes, you’re correct, it is going to be a very different 24 months in Hopkinton on Main Street.”

Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said the project literally hits home for the members of the Select Board.

“Four of the five board members live within a quarter-mile of where this Main Street Corridor Project is going,” he said. “So it’s not like we’re living on the outskirts and not having to deal with the traffic or the noise or the dust or the dirt. Four of the five of us live within a quarter-mile of the project and will be adversely affected every day of this.

And the fifth board member, that does not live in the center of town, has a business [on Main Street] and this is going right by his or her business. So it’s not like we’re removed from this and we’re not going to be adversely affected.”

Tedstone noted that despite the effect the work will have on members’ lives, every vote regarding the project was a unanimous 5-0 in support of it.

“We are doing what’s right for the town,” he said.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Select Board favors more costly budget The Select Board unanimously voted to move the 2.5 percent tax impact version of the town budget to the Appropriation Committee for preparation for Town Meeting.

While this version is more costly, Khumalo said the town could be in line to receive more financial assistance following the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan in Washington. Khumalo said the $1.9 trillion COVID relief program includes approximately $350 billion for state and local government.

“My initial information is that Hopkinton should receive at least $1.82 million in new restricted local aid,” Khumalo said. “This funding, we’ve been told, is expected to be available for at least two fiscal years, i.e. FY22 and FY23. The FY22 budget update in your meeting packet does not reflect any of the funds coming from this program, because the rules for use of the funding have not yet been shared with states and towns.”

As an example, Khumalo said the $200,000 the town currently has budgeted for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be covered.

Khumalo said the American Rescue Plan also includes funding for public schools, including $1.8 billion allocated for Massachusetts.

Some of that money could be targeted for mental health initiatives, which the town has been discussing recently. …

In other Select Board news, the board voted to appoint Patricia Srodawa to the Council on Aging to a term expiring June 30, 2021, and accepted the resignation of Ramya Kumaraswamy from the Capital Improvements Committee.

Library introduces long-range strategic plan The Hopkinton Public Library recently announced the creation of a long-range plan for fiscal years 202227. Based on community feedback collected in 2020, the new plan will guide the library’s work and priorities for the next five years.

The FY22-27 strategic plan identifies five priorities within which the News briefs | 13

The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 13

Residents give Hopkinton high marks in survey Survey | from page 1

margin of error.

Mann said NRC conducts surveys for about 600 communities around the country, and using those communities as a benchmark, Hopkinton received higher ratings than the national average on 38 questions, similar ratings on 86 questions, and lower ratings on 14 questions.

“This is unusual,” she said. “We expect to see most ratings be similar to the benchmark, and they were for Hopkinton. However, the number of ratings that were higher than the benchmark were definitely a standout to us. Hopkinton excelled in many areas. A lot of them had to do with quality of life, education, the town as a place to live, neighborhoods as a place to live, the town as a place to raise children, parks and recreation, and many, many of the ratings that were higher than the national averages had to do with safety, overall feelings of safety, police services, crime prevention, emergency preparedness — those were some standouts there.”

Compared to a similar survey conducted in Hopkinton in 2013, the town showed improvement, with almost twice as many opinions trending upward than downward — 23 to 12, with 44 remaining stable.

Among the key findings, Mann said, were that community members note economic improvements yet also see it as an area of opportunity; residents are pleased with their local government, and ratings have increased over time; and mobility ratings lag,

specifically related to a lack of public transportation options.

Looking at town priorities, 61 percent of residents stated creating a diverse, inclusive and fair community was tops on their list.

As for issues residents considered the most important to address over the next five years, 77 percent cited school facility expansion, 46 percent pointed to the proposed renovation of Center School so it can be used for community meeting space, town offices and more, and 42 percent identified the expansion of public bus service to nearby train stations.

Addressing concerns about transportation, Select Board member Mary Jo LaFreniere said she just learned that Hopkinton soon will have access to The RIDE, a shared door-to-door transportation service under the supervision of the MBTA, “which should help a lot there, in particular with our senior citizens.”

The survey presentation was welcome news to town leaders.

“I’ve sat on the board for a number of years, and you get a gut feel for what the community is all about,” Brian Herr said. “A lot of those numbers confirm that. … I would congratulate Mr. [town manager Norman] Khumalo and his team for providing excellent service to the taxpayers of Hopkinton and treating them with respect.”

Board member Amy Ritterbusch requested the survey results be posted on the town website, “then we can use it to guide our process next year for budget.”

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Library introduces long-range strategic plan Neews briefs | from page 12

library will work to achieve its mission to “inspire exploration, discovery, and engagement as we enrich and strengthen the social network of our diverse community.” Those priorities are: “Connecting our community,” “Providing access to education, arts, culture and knowledge,” “Creating an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for all,” “Striving to deliver an exceptional, customer-focused user experience,” and, “Stewarding and obtaining resources to accomplish strategic priorities.” The plan is available for the public to read on the library’s website at hopkintonlibrary.org/strategicplan.asp.

“We are grateful to the many community members who took the time to share their thoughts as part of our planning process,” library director Heather Backman stated. “Thanks to their input, we have a strong and flexible plan that will guide the library in providing exceptional services, managing our resources effectively, and sustaining our vital role within the Hopkinton community.”

Backman will give a public presentation about the strategic plan on Wednesday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m. Interested members of the public should visit the library’s event calendar to register to receive a Zoom link. The director also is available to speak directly to community groups about the strategic plan upon request.

Community planning affects mental health Dawn Alcott Miller, director of Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, gave a presentation to the Planning Board on March 15 about the correlation between community planning and mental health.

She explained that, particularly in the suburbs, young people tend to feel that the communities are not designed for them. Some factors include lack of transportation, affordable housing away from town centers, and lack of youth centers.

One aspect she thought could be brought to the concept of planning is adding in pocket parks, perhaps as a way to connect trails with sidewalks as a resting place.

“It really comes down to the look and feel of safety,” Alcott Miller explained. “Is there adequate transportation for all residents? Is the low-income housing just as nice as other housing? Or is it built in a way that creates less dignity and less sense of self-worth?”

Arts, culture, education and inclusion of people with disabilities and of all cultures were other tools she recommended to connect in planning.

Look Good... See Better.

Cultural Council calls for artists The Hopkinton Cultural Council is seeking artists to extend and grow the Celebration of Diversity mural, located on the wooden fence leading to EMC Park.

“We hope to add 3-5 new segments this year,” HCC chair Ilana Casady said. “We are looking to create a footprint of this moment in our town’s history as we embrace its growing diversity and character.”

Themes may include but are not limited to: indigenous culture, women’s history and individuals with differing abilities. All ideas and artistic interpretations are welcome for submission, from individual or multiple artists. Media must be longlasting and weather resistant.

Entry deadline is May 15, the jury decision deadline is May 31, and the installation deadline is Aug. 15. For more information or to submit sample images, email culturalchair@hopkintonma.gov or call 617-461-9659.

Lions Club shows support for veterans The Hopkinton Lions Club organized efforts to support the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Valentines for Veterans 2021 program last month.

The purpose of the VA’s National Salute to Veteran Patients Program, of which Valentines for Veterans is a part, is to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans.

Volunteers, including Hopkinton Lions Club members and their families, members of the Hopkinton community and Hopkinton Girl Scout troops, participated in this year’s collection. Hopkinton Girl Scouts Senior Troop 65040, led by Laura Barry and Maureen Belger, organized the involvement of the Girl Scouts, which included Troops 83258, 79248, 75104, 62495, 62232, 85461, 79248 and 70613.

Participants prepared 274 homemade valentines cards and artwork, which were delivered to the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford by Lion and Navy veteran Bill Muench.

The Lions plan to expand the valentines program to include Hopkinton seniors next year.

HopkintonIndependent.com

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Parks & Rec moves forward with skate park The old skate park at EMC Park fell into disrepair and had to be dismantled.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

he Parks & Recreation Department, during the March 8 Parks & Rec Commission meeting, discussed plans to push forward with the redevelopment of the skate park at EMC Park at a cost of $300,000.

There will be a meeting about the project “within the next 30 days,” according to Parks & Recreation Department coordinator Jennifer Hart.

The funding, obtained through the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), included money for a design study from Pillar Design Studios. The firm specializes in the design of skate parks. It recently designed one in Framingham and currently is working on a

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Hart said the next step in the process would be to get input from those who would be utilizing the skate park the most. The debate that arose was how much input was needed before the plan was presented to the public.

“The initial design that Pillar set up for us is actually spot on,” she said, “in terms of what it costs and in terms of what it offers. And it’s a small space.”

There was a concern about getting too much public input on the initial design, as it may be “opening a can of worms.” There may be so many suggestions that it would not be feasible to incorporate them all.

Commission member Liisa Jackson, who has been an avid skateboarder and skater for many years, initially advocated for more feedback from the skateboard community.

“As someone who would use a park like this, I think it would be good to have some design input on the specific ramps,” she said. “I’ve skated skate parks all over the country. I’ve been to skate parks that are pretty boring, and nobody ever hangs out there. If we’re Parks & Rec | 15

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The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 15

Parks & Rec | from page 14

going to spend money on it, let’s make it a really awesome skate park.”

Making sure that the park meets the needs of all skill levels and ages is another key, she added.

“I’m going to guess that if we put a survey out, we’re going to get a $1.5 million skate park,” chair Dan Terry said. “I don’t want people to be disappointed because we built one-fifth of the skate park that we had hoped for.”

One thing the skate park accomplishes is fulfilling a need for recreation that is more diverse and inclusive than some other organized sports, noted Parks & Rec director Jay Guelfi.

“When you think about youth recreation in town, you think about the traditional sports that most kids play,” he said. “Except for the 20 percent of those kids who are not into that stuff.

They’re into the whole kind of alternate sports deal.”

The initial design “can be easily tweaked” to take suggestions from users, he added.

Sandy Beach parking fines Because Sandy Beach will only have resident parking during the summer season, there was talk of raising the parking fees from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with input from the Police Department on the amount.

“I think that we need to be harsh for trailers that show up and do not have a sticker,” said commission member Cynthia Esthimer. “They are going to have to be turned away. We cannot sell them here because I think it would be difficult.”

The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association (LMPA) will have volunteers on hand for the two weeks preceding the season to facilitate the sale of parking passes, Esthimer said.

The day pass currently costs $10.

A $50 or $60 fine was proposed to discourage overnight parking. The past two seasons the fine was $40. The issue was to be voted on at the next meeting on March 17.

Esthimer also hoped to discourage

a “launch and leave” attitude by some out-of-town boaters, who have someone stay on the craft while someone else leaves with the vehicle.

“I think it stings just enough to encourage them to purchase a pass,” Guelfi said.

“A big problem here is that after the lifeguard leaves, there are people who just park here overnight,” Esthimer added. Terry said that issue could be brought up for discussion at another meeting.

The fine for trailers previously been had raised from $100 to $200 to discourage parking on Lakeshore Drive.

Further down the line, Esthimer said, there may be discussions about installing a gate at Sandy Beach.

Main Street Corridor Project seeks staging areas Dave Daltorio, the town engineer, joined the meeting as the project manager for the long-awaited Main Street Corridor Project. While construction was to have started last week, an issue that has arisen is the need for crews to store equipment and materials. One option is the Marshall Avenue parking lot, adjacent to Carrigan Field, which for one year was used to store salt and sand for the town.

“The contractor is asking to park their vehicles as well as to store some of the pipes that will be used for drainage,” Daltorio explained. Other objects will be manhole covers and grates. A fence will be constructed around the materials.

The contractor already has received permission from the Select Board to use Marathon Way, adjacent to the Town Common, and bring on a second or third crew to expedite the project. It will save time for the transportation of materials.

“I’m really not comfortable about making a decision without input from residents of Marshall Avenue,” Terry said. “They’ve been great neighbors.”

A joint letter from multiple town departments explaining the need will be forthcoming. Residents were invited to share their input at the March 17 meeting.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Resident hopes to start movement to preserve Old Town Road

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

L

ocal resident and researcher David Cormier appeared before the Historical Commission at its meeting on March 2 seeking its assistance in preserving Old Town Road, which was first documented in 1732 as a dirt road.

Cormier began researching the history of the road as part of his research on Lake Maspenock, he explained. It served as the original cart path that early settlers used to travel between Hopkinton and what is now Milford.

“It predates Purchase Street and South Street,” he said. “I think it was the original cart road. That’s why they called it Old Town Road back in the day.”

Some of the farms along the original Old Town Road were owned by some of Hopkinton’s forefathers, including the Nelson and Bell families. The original road runs far longer and east of the one that currently bears the same name from the town. Cormier said he wanted to do more detailed research but has been unable to access records from the Historical Society due to COVID-19 restrictions.

He compiled a history of the road using some historic maps, deeds and

The lots that could be made in that parcel would get [$2 million] and $3 million homes on them. It’s probably the most expensive, best piece of property undeveloped in the town of Hopkinton.

— Historical Commission member Eric Sonnett land documents. Using Google Earth, he pieced together the path of the road, which runs at the eastern shoreline of Milford at the town line, right behind the Dell EMC software company on South Street.

Cormier shared a presentation, available at The Complete History of Lake Maspenock (maspenock. com/#five), which shows his research.

The road starts as a dirt path behind Hayward Street and continues through wetlands to property behind Amherst Road. It then veers back into a dirt road that runs south until it merges with the Hopkinton portion of Pine Island Road.

Member Stacy Spies noted that part of the road still has the original stone wall. She said she was recently in a workshop where she learned that funds could be procured for the survey of stone walls. In Connecticut, some stones have been stolen from walls because of their

historic value. “[The instructor] was saying that town-wide survey and planning grants could be used for that,” she explained.

“That could be pretty cool.”

Other avenues would be to get funds for an archaeological study of the wells on the property or an archeological grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

By bringing it to the committee’s attention, Cormier hoped to find a way to preserve the area as conservation land.

He noted that there is no such land set aside in that part of town.

“If you’ve ever hiked the area, it’s a beautiful area,” he said, noting that there was once an old sawmill near the lake.

“I was hoping that we could do some kind of protection on it, but I know it’s private property.”

While chair Michael Roughan explained that the Historical Commission

has no power over land use, another approach suggested by Eric Sonnett would be to talk with EMC to see if an arrangement can be reached for access rights for a hiking trail.

“The reason EMC bought it was as a buffer,” Sonnett explained, “because the owners would sell it to developers.

The lots that could be made in that parcel would get [$2 million] and $3 million homes on them. It’s probably the most expensive, best piece of property undeveloped in the town of Hopkinton.”

If money could be sought through the Community Preservation Commission, there would be a conservation restriction placed on the land. This would accomplish EMC’s goal at a benefit to the town, if EMC agreed.

“They could just sell off the development rights, so it could be a tax benefit to them,” Spies added.

The board recommended that Cormier speak with EMC about his efforts.

“I’m really not sure what it is that we can do,” Cormier said. “But I wanted to bring it to everyone’s attention, basically.”

“I’m not sure the town’s going to be really happy to give up the tax revenue,” Sonnett said. The property currently is assessed at $1.446 million.

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HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 17

Schools HHS students put to the test on High School Quiz Show Members of the Hopkinton High School team that will compete on WGBH’s High School Quiz Show include (counterclockwise from top left) Bryan Gu, Neil Abraham, Dhanu Senthilkumaran, Ruben Noroian, alternate Aryan Samaga and advisor Mason Challinor.

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

T

here is nothing trivial about these students’ accomplishments, even if they do involve trivia.

A five-member team from Hopkinton High School has qualified to compete in the 12th season of High School Quiz Show, a popular academic series broadcast annually by GBH2.

The team members, all HHS sophomores, are Neil Abraham, Brian Gu, Dhanu Senthilkumaran, Ruben Noroian and alternate Aryan Samaga.

The new season of the show will premiere April 3 at 6 p.m. on WGBH-TV and on High School Quiz Show’s YouTube Channel. Hopkinton’s first match is

LIBRARY CORNER

set to air on April 17 at 6 p.m. (it was taped March 6). A link will be sent to families and the school community to pre-record a Zoom audience to replicate the usual studio audience.

The team earned the honor of becoming one of 17 teams to participate by taking and acing the program’s first-ever virtual Super Sunday qualifying quiz Jan. 24.

The Hopkinton team only had one wrong answer, said Mason Challinor, a history teacher at Hopkinton High School who works with the team as a coach/advisor.

High School Quiz Show serves “as a platform to recognize the accomplishments and knowledge of high school students across the commonwealth,” stated senior producer Phillipe Vieira. “In this difficult year, students have had to make adjustments and sacrifices

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.

Baptiste Power Yoga Class

Mondays, March 29, noon (Zoom) This weekly 30-minute Zoom class, taught by Natasha Linton of Nourish Power Yoga & Ayurveda in Hopkinton, is a vinyasa flow designed to leave participants vitalized and reinvigorated so they can step back into their day recharged. Register via the library’s website calendar.

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Tuesday, April 6, 6:30-8 p.m. (Zoom) Join Blackstone Valley Veggie Garden experts to learn how to start a garden with fruit and veggie seeds under lights. Sign up in advance to be emailed the Zoom info.

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HopkintonIndependent.com

in their academic, extracurricular and social lives.”

This will be Hopkinton’s first appearance on the program since 2013. The team was inactive for several years until being revived last year.

Much of the credit for the revival goes to team member Noroian. “I watched the show in the past years and found out we didn’t have one so I wanted to make one,” he said. With the support of principal Evan Bishop, Noroian submitted the forms and took the steps needed to get the team up and running.

Challinor has been working with the students to hone their skills. “I feel like the best way to get better at trivia is just to do trivia,” he said.

And so he and the team did, practicing every Friday, except for vacation weeks, since November.

Using a box of 1,000 trivia questions, he would fire questions at them on a range of subjects, giving them 15-30 seconds to answer.

The competition features questions about general pop culture and specific curriculum knowledge, which can be a challenge because the sophomores have been exposed to less academic information than their senior competitors, Challinor said.

Sometimes the student would know the answer outright.

When he didn’t, Challinor would “ad lib hints on the fly” hoping that the student would “seize on one part of it” and extrapolate an answer from that information.

Taking a question and considering potential hints within the wording is something Abraham said can help find the correct answer. If questions and answers seem to reflect a common theme, then you “read more about it,” he said.

This approach “helps teach you how to approach a question,” which he said has value beyond the competition and into a classroom setting.

“At the end of the day, we’re all just ready to do our best” and “do something we enjoy,” he said.

Their success at practicing “is paying off,” Gu said. He said he looks forward to the chance to “show off all the work we’ve done.”

“I’m proud of our team,” Senthilkumaran said. He said the team will “go and do our best.”

Samaga serves as the team alternate. He is friends with the team members and “joined to help.”

The team faces a tough fight, Challinor said. HHS’ first competitor will be Boston Latin, the two-time defending champion.

“We’re going to need everything to break our way,” he said, “which it could.’’

Win or lose, this hasn’t been a trivial pursuit for these dedicated students.

“Across all of the team members there have only been one or two absences across all meetings, and they even voluntarily held a practice during February vacation,” Challinor said. “I am very proud of just how much all five of them have committed to the team.”

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Schools Teachers, students find ways to keep music playing in pandemic

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

I

n an unusual year filled with unprecedented obstacles, the Hopkinton Public Schools Music Department was determined that one thing would not occur: silence.

Working in concert, Hopkinton music students, faculty and administrators kept the music playing, even if in a limited form and with some significant changes.

One of those changes was the requirement of face coverings, both for students and their instruments.

Bell coverings protected the faces of their brass and woodwinds, to capture any droplets and prevent potential spread.

That was just one of many changes required for the musicians to continue to play.

In traditional years, music teacher Craig Hay said, “we put lots of people in a room and we make music.”

This year, Hay said, “we couldn’t have done it without the technology department.”

Rooms had to be carefully measured to ensure the required distance could be maintained between students. Air purifiers ensured that air was exchanged every 40 minutes.

Other augmentation was needed, including a camera that is connected to a projector, a digital mixer and speakers.

Multiple microphones were attached to the digital mixer.

Thanks to this type of technology, music teacher Isaac Brody, who is teaching remotely, was able to see and hear students clearly. An additional speaker is used when the chorus goes outside to sing.

“People went out of their way to get

Left: Members of the HHS chorus practice outside the school.

Below: Isaac Brody teaches an orchestra class with some live students and others on a videoconference.

us the equipment we needed,” he said.

The year of practicing differently will culminate, if all goes as planned, with a traditional event, the annual pops concert the weekend before Memorial Day. The main football field at Hopkinton High School has been booked for May 23, the Sunday prior to Memorial Day weekend, which is when the traditional pops concert is held. The concert will go on if the weather cooperates and COVID protocols allow.

Each year, this concert represents the opportunity for students to showcase the skills they have honed through the year.

“Yes, the kids love going to class, but the biggest thing is that final perfor-

mance, to give it all you have and play for an audience,” Hay said. “We know how much this means to the students.”

Students in the music program admit that this situation has hardly been ideal, especially for seniors, who are missing the full experience for the last time.

In previous years, Hopkinton High

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School junior Madison Loos said, her chorus class represented a break from the rest of the academic day, a chance to connect and bond with friends.

“You walked into a class, you greeted each other and hugged each other,” she said. Social distancing has curtailed that. “We’re still all friends, but it’s not Music | 19

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1. Peter the rabbit hops into Gemma’s prized vegetable garden and eats all of her tomatoes, peppers and squash. Gemma has lost her entire harvest! Not to worry, though, Gemma’s homeowner insurance will pay for the loss of her crops.

2. Ron and Barb have a beautiful property with plants and trees that are meticulously maintained. One day, a teenage driver crashes into Ron and Barb’s flower bed, destroying all of their flowers. No big deal, the teenager’s auto insurance will pay for the damages.

3. Spencer and Sarah hire someone to dress up as a bunny for an Easter egg hunt at their house. The bunny, being swarmed by children, trips and falls over a rock wall.

Spencer and Sarah’s home insurance will not pay for the damages since the person was hired to work for them.

Answers: 1. False 2. True 3. False

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The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 19

Schools School Committee sets April dates for full-time reopening Reopening | from page 1

open full-time no later than that date.

For the middle school, the April 26 date was approved by all members except Joe Markey, who questioned why the opening date could not be sooner.

He preferred April 12. “To push out a full month on operational issues that could be done sooner concerns me,” he said.

Principal Alan Keller said he needed more time to reach out to parents who had not responded to the survey about their plans for their children and to work on scheduling. Concerns had been raised that some classes could include as many as 35 children, but Keller said HMS staff is working to decrease these numbers.

Having April vacation to finalize details would be helpful, Keller said, because the school would be closed and reopening could be the primary focus without day-to-day issues interfering.

Committee member Lya BatlleRafferty said she would follow the principal’s guidance.

“I’m thrilled that so much has been defined, but I know that the devil is in the details,” committee chair Amanda Fargiano said in advocating for more time. “That last inch will kill you sometimes.”

At the high school, the return plan changed this week because the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that schools would not be allowed to offer hybrid models that combine in-person education with remote learning.

This negated the district’s previous

high school return plan, which called for students to attend only four periods in person, from 7:25-11:45 a.m. Students then would have returned home, had lunch and attended their final class of the day on Zoom.

This plan would have eliminated concerns about providing lunch for all students within a 6-foot social distance.

Instead, principal Evan Bishop said, the school has been “thinking outside the box” about how to accommodate lunch. This could include using the athletic center and moving classes from there to other locations, including the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

“We’re still getting our heads around lunch,” he said. “We haven’t fully fleshed it out.”

He said juniors and seniors will be “strongly, strongly” encouraged to use their privileges during lunch break and eat somewhere outside of the building.

Outdoor eating also will be encouraged.

Making these logistics work takes time, he said. “Any date before April vacation would be challenging,” he said.

Seniors’ last day of classes will be May 26, and senior internships and projects will begin April 26. Both will reduce the number of students in the building.

The April 26 date will allow seniors to have at least a month of traditional schooling before their Hopkinton High School education ends.

Committee members agreed to vote on a reopening date for the high school, rather than delay it, so parents can have as much time as possible to plan.

Searching f r y ur new h me?

Teachers, students find ways to keep music playing in pandemic Music | from page 18

the same. It hurts a lot.”

Still, all the students agreed, they appreciate the chance to “do something,” HHS junior Kira Sward said.

“Music is a huge part of my life,” she said, and when school shut down last March, she felt the loss.

Hay received similar comments from everyone last spring, he said. “We kept hearing from everyone how much they missed everything,” he said. That was the “biggest takeaway,” he said.

That reinforced his determination, and that of Brody, to develop a plan to maintain music education, something that not all school districts were able to do. The return required creating a plan and working with very different logistics.

They also needed — and enthusiastically received, Hay said — the support of principal Evan Bishop, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and her staff, and the School Committee.

Hay credited members of the Tri-M Honor Society for offering feedback and support. The organization is an honor society for students who are musically gifted and academically capable, according to the website.

Student members perform commu-

nity service, with efforts ranging from helping out at concerts to mentoring younger music students.

“We try to give back,” HHS senior Aidan Medeiros said.

One way students gave back this year was by providing feedback, advice and support as the Music Department adapted to a new normal, Hay said.

This year, their role has focused on serving as a “sounding board,” Hay said.

He has “bounced ideas off” the group and listened to their ideas on “how to keep students involved. They’ve been outstanding. Over 11 months, using them as my sounding board has been very, very helpful,” he said.

He has aimed to “put students in a position where they feel valued.”

The students return the compliment, citing the efforts of Hay and Brody.

Loos said that they “put in a lot of time and worked really, really hard to put this together.”

The students said they look forward to showcasing the results of this unusual year.

Sward said she is “super grateful” to make music this year. The students may end the year on a somewhat different note, but those notes will combine to once again make music.

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

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Former Hopkins School teacher Deanna Law shows off the scenery at her new home in Montana.

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Editor’s note: The following is from Deanna Law, a longtime teacher/administrator at Hopkins School who recently submitted her resignation after taking a leave of absence prior to the 2019-20 school year and moving to Montana.

T

wenty years ago, when I began my journey as an educator in Hopkinton, I had just graduated from college and was ready to take on the challenges and rewards of being in the classroom. How fortunate I was that day when Hopkinton took a chance on me. It was the start of an incredible career for which I am forever grateful. Throughout the years I’ve been able to connect with this community in ways well beyond what I had imagined. Students, families, administrators, colleagues, friends and community members laid the foundation for me, so when the opportunity came to embark on a new chapter in my life, I had the tools and support to be able to do so confidently.

Teaching is and will always be a passion of mine. The work isn’t easy (especially this year as you all know too well) but the impact lasts a lifetime. My students are the reason I had the courage and determination to make a change in my own life.

My teaching was always focused on academics, of course, but more importantly it was about giving my students the space and opportunity to explore, to make mistakes, to reflect and grow, to learn the value of teamwork and leadership, to take risks, and to appreciate the simple things in life. Two years ago, I decided to “walk the walk,” as they say, and trust my instincts.

After finishing my 20th year of teaching in 2019, I packed up my life in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, said many tearful goodbyes to family and friends, got in my car and drove cross country to Montana to try something new. As I sit and write this at the start of 2021, I am in awe that a year and a half has already transpired. I took a chance and bought a restaurant with a friend right outside Glacier National Park. Even though this opportunity was clearly outside my comfort zone, my mind was open and it just felt right. There were no guarantees or assurances that it would work out well or that I’d even be happy. Luckily for me, I listened to that tiny voice deep inside and followed

HopkintonIndependent.com

my gut. I am happier than ever and enjoying all that comes with a new venture (even amidst a pandemic).

I’ve learned how similar running/owning a business is to teaching. It’s a perfect example of how core skills apply to all aspects of life!

Was it stressful and scary and overwhelming?

“You betcha!” or “Boy howdy!” as they say out here.

If I’m being honest, it still is, but I continue to smile and regret nothing. You know it is the right decision for you when you feel that sense of calm and peace, and can embrace the newness with excitement. Obviously, the downside is not being around family, old friends and my Hopkins home, but I thank all of you for allowing me to grow and challenge myself.

I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the lessons learned and the experiences I’ve had over the past 20 years.

If you learn nothing else from my experience, please take this with you: Be adventurous and let your heart and passions guide you. Don’t hesitate to try something new and don’t settle for the norms and expectations you feel might be placed on you.

It is never too late to make a change or a detour in your plan. Seize those moments of inspiration and curiosity, and listen to that voice inside of you! Last but not least, simplify your life and enjoy the beauty that will be uncovered.

Words cannot even begin to express my gratitude for Hopkinton, Hopkins School in particular, and all the students and families who, some without even knowing it, played a part in my journey out west. My time as an educator in Hopkinton has come to an end, but the memories will stay with me forever. Thank you for believing in me. I will continue to be a proud member of the Hopkinton community. You are all doing incredible work, even in these most challenging times. Always know that you have a big fan out in Montana.

Always remember our class chant: If you say, “I can’t,” you won’t.

If you say, “I quit,” you lose.

If you say, “I’ll try,” you might just succeed.

Only YOU have the power to choose!

I’m in the process of creating a blog (simplyslippers.net) to share my ongoing thoughts on life’s journey. Be on the lookout for it as a way for us to stay connected! Also, if you’re ever near Glacier National Park, make sure you stop by and say hello.

The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 21

Schools HHS class hosts virtual marathon fundraiser T

he Hopkinton High School Class of 2024 is hosting a Hopkinton Virtual Marathon fundraiser. Participants have just over three weeks (March 23-April 15) to complete 26.2 miles, either alone or as part of a team of up to five people. The miles can be broken up over a period of days; they just need to be completed by April 15. Teams will track their miles using a run-recording app such as Runkeeper or MapMyRun. Once a team has completed its marathon, the times will be submitted SCHOOLS to class officers, who will determine NOTEBOOK the winners of various awards, including fastest overall time and best team outfits.

Winners will receive prizes donated by the event sponsors: HopYo, Muffin House, Hiller’s Pizza, Hopkinton Drug, 110 Grill, Resilience Fitness and Skincare Studio.

The entry fee per team is $100. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hopkinton-based Mental Health Collaborative.

“I love the idea of having people team up and do something that is good for physical and mental health,” said Mental Health Collaborative founder Abbie Rosenberg. “We are excited to continue bringing this critical education to our schools and our community and this fundraiser will help us to do that.”

For more information, visit the Hopkinton Virtual Marathon website at bit.ly/HVMsignup.

Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics

Local collegians make dean’s lists

A Hopkinton High School team is being formed for the Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics athletes that will take place Friday, March 26, and participants are being sought. Individuals have until the day of the event to register at polarplungema.org (enter Hopkinton High School when asked which team to join). Fundraising can continue until April 15.

While the name suggests participants will jump into a body of water, an alternative is dump water on one’s head — which is what the HHS group plans to do on Friday at 2:30 p.m. outside the school.

All money raised supports year-round sports training and competition for athletes with disabilities.

For more information, email team captain Bianca Pal at bpal@hillers.org.

A trio of Hopkinton residents were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Emerson College: senior media arts production major Brianna Maloney, junior theatre and performance major Briittany Forsmo and sophomore marketing communication major Jiaqian Bai. …

Caitlin Thomas, a freshman neuroscience major, earned a spot on the dean’s list at Boston College. …

Angad Mokha was named to the dean’s list at Adelphi University. …

Nicky Desai was named to the dean’s list at Bates College.

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

Residents honored at Worcester Academy

Next Day Service Available

Worcester Academy announced its first semester honor roll and headmaster’s list, and seven Hopkinton residents were recognized. Junior Ryan D’Amour and freshman William Masterson received first honors, while seniors Lauren Gray, Yixin Huang and Emma Potas, sophomore Ally Gray and freshman Jonathan D’Amour were named to the headmaster’s list.

High school deals with surge in COVID cases

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

S

uperintendent Carol Cavanaugh, in an email to schools families March 15, stated that there were no plans to switch to a temporary all-remote learning model at Hopkinton High School despite a run on COVID-19 cases there.

In the previous week there were 12 cases at HHS: nine in-person students, one remote student and two staff, Cavanaugh stated, adding that the week prior there were five cases: four students and one staff member. She also noted that approximately 100 students were in quarantine for being close contacts.

Wrote Cavanaugh: “The commissioner of education, Jeffrey Riley, requires consultation with the superintendent when a district is contemplating closing a grade level, a school or a district.

Because in these HHS cases we are not seeing in-school transfer but rather just students and staff testing COVID-19 positive, the commissioner would not consider this a reason to transition to remote learning. [The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s] argument is that by identifying the close contacts of COVID-19 positive people and sending those close contacts home, the district is effectively removing ‘potential risk’ from the school. And, even though we have about 100 students currently in quarantine, DESE contends that 950 students can still attend school in person, which has a host of benefits over remote learning — some of which are academic and others that are social-emotional. Essentially, if only 1 percent of the high school population is positive, the commissioner would not consider that a reason to close the building for all of our students.”

After Thanksgiving break the schools went remote for one week in an attempt to avoid a spread.

Cavanaugh indicated DESE’s approach has changed since then.

“We realize that there were times when the district did transition to remote learning; that said,

Essentially, if only 1 percent of the high school population is positive, the commissioner would not consider that a reason to close the building for all of our students.

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DESE no longer uses the conservative approach that they used last fall, because they now know more about the virus and its transmission,” she wrote.

“Essentially, DESE’s consultation team has said, ‘The last thing we want you to do is to keep students out of school.’ We understand that many faculty and families are struggling with this philosophy.”

An email two days later, from Cavanaugh and town health director Shaun McAuliffe, indicated there were no known student-to-student transmissions at the high school during this surge.

“While it might feel to some that students are unsafe at the high school, please note that we have not identified any student-to-student transmission in that building,” the email read. “Not a single HHS case since September. The current transmissions of the virus we are seeing have all been traced to events outside of school.”

Cavanaugh encouraged families to wear face coverings and practice proper hygiene and social distancing, and those in quarantine to avoid contact with others.

She also praised the district’s nurses.

“Please also know that our school nurses are working tremendously hard, 24-7, to conduct contract tracing and to work with families to monitor students who are positive,” she wrote. “They have been nothing short of amazing.”

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22 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

The Hopkinton Senior Center staff continues to be available to seniors and residents during this pandemic. Call 508-497-9730 if in need of assistance, with questions or just to say hi. For a more extensive listing of programs check Ourseniorcenter.com/find/Hopkintoncouncil-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

SENIOR SNIPPETS

Lunch Program

The Senior Center has a limited takeout lunch program (Tuesday-Friday) for Hopkinton seniors, particularly those who are homebound and/or have relied on the center for their daily main meal in the past. Anyone who knows of a senior who might benefit from this program can call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. The menu is refreshed monthly. Cost is $2 per meal.

Sleeping Well — Tips For a Better Sleep

Friday, March 26, 12:30 p.m.

Robb Webb from the MetroWest Sleep Disorders Lab will talk about the causes of sleep difficulties, treatments/ procedures and how to identify them, helping people get back on track with a healthier life. Pre-registration requested.

Raptor Tales of Shrewsbury

Friday, April 2, 12:30 p.m.

Licensed wildlife rehabilitator Jessica Zorge specializes in helping raptors — owls, hawks, falcons and eagles — also known as birds of prey. She also is a licensed raptor educator and volunteers her time with local schools to educate students and the general public about these amazing birds.

Managing Your Memory

Friday, April 9, 12:30 p.m.

Based on his award-winning book,

“Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What to Do About It,” Dr. Andrew Budson will explain how individuals can distinguish changes in memory due to Alzheimer’s versus normal aging, what medications, diets and exercise regimens can help, and the best habits, strategies and memory aids to use, in seven simple steps.

TED Talks

Mondays, 12:30 p.m.

In 1984 TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation.

The Outreach Program at the Senior Center will have casual TED Talks group meetings over Zoom for one hour every Monday at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will consist of viewing a video and then discussing it. The program is free.

Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

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.

HHS Class of 2024 Virtual Marathon March 23-April 15

The Hopkinton High School Class of 2024 is hosting a Hopkinton Virtual Marathon fundraiser. Participants have just over three weeks (March 23-April 15) to complete 26.2 miles, either alone or as part of a team of up to five people. The miles can be broken up over a period of days; they just need to be completed by April 15. The entry fee per team is $100. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hopkinton-based Mental Health Collaborative. For more information, visit the Hopkinton Virtual Marathon website at bit.ly/HVMsignup.

Women’s Club meeting April 12

The Hopkinton Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, April 12, at 10 a.m. There will be a presentation from club member and former FBI agent Margaret Bower titled “Women of the FBI.” 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.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Art at Home: Free Sketching Workshop | March 27 De-stress with this free online art workshop for adults with HCA instructor Marion Buricatu. Use simple art materials at home to create a beautiful Zen Garden. Free, but registration is required at www.hopartscenter.org.

Medical Equipment

Art Around the World: Brazil Online | April 10 Free children’s cultural program with instructor Judith Smith. This month children will learn all about Brazil. They will sing a song, listen to a story, and have fun making a craft or two. For ages 3 to 8, free, but registration is required at www.hopartscenter.org.

Sponsored by Unibank.

Durable medical equipment (walkers, bath seats, canes, crutches — but no longer commodes), for Hopkinton residents’ use only, is available to be loaned out free of charge. Wheelchairs, both standard and transport, require a $25 refundable deposit and are limited to two months.

HHS Sports Roundup

Join the Conversation: Climate Reality | April 22 HCA is pleased to host Scott Richardson (member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps.) for a special Earth Day event at 7pm. Event will be livestreamed on HCAM-TV, but a small number of free, in-person tickets are available online.

Register at www.hopartscenter.org.

Spring Outdoor Watercolor Mini-Retreat | April 24 Join instructor Richard Denzer for this 6-hour outdoor class (10am to 4pm) to be held in or around Hopkinton. Learn about composition, values, various wash options, contrast, textural techniques and choice of art materials. All levels welcome.

Register at www.hopartscenter.org Information about our summer programming is available now on our website!

Information about our April Vacation Workshops for kids available now on our website!

Regular Recaps of Hopkinton High School Varsity Teams

www.HopArtsCenter.org

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Registration open for Babe Ruth Baseball

Hopkinton Babe Ruth Baseball registration is open via the Parks & Recreation Department website. Babe Ruth is open to players ages 13-16 (aged out of Little League) of all ability levels. The league is planning three seasons in 2021: spring, summer and fall. The spring league will run from April 26-June 10. The summer league will run from June 14-July 23. The summer league also will have a Senior Babe Ruth division for ages 16-19. Information on the fall season is not yet finalized. For more details or to register, visit hopkintonma.myrec.com.

Timlin 5K to be run virtually in June

Registration is open for the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K, which will be held virtually again this year. The entry fee is $30 per person, with a family/team of up to five discounted to $99. Participants can run/walk their 5K during a two-week span in mid-June. For more details or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

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The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 23

Sports

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he Hopkinton High School football team will not have a sectional or state title to play for during the “Fall 2” season this spring, but the Hillers are taking on five teams from the Tri-Valley League, so a league title is on the table. And head coach Dan MacLean said that is the goal his players are focused on achieving.

“This is a different season, but the goal is to get better every day, stay h e a l t h y, a n d t h e kids want to win the league,” MacLean said. “If we win all of our league games, we could be the champ.”

The Hillers will be buoyed by senior leadership, MacLean said. That group was itching to get out on the field ever since the regular fall campaign was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These seniors have worked hard, they drove me crazy wanting to practice every day during this and knowing they couldn’t,” MacLean said, chuckling.

“They have been waiting and they believe they have a good team going in. Now that they have this opportunity, they are taking advantage of it.”

Hopkinton’s starters built up a 20-point lead in a scrimmage against Medway on March 12 and were set to open the season March 20 at Holliston. Cole Salyards is the team’s quarterback and will see time in the defensive backfield. MacLean described the senior captain as an “exceptional” player.

The quarterback has a number of weapons around him on offense. Cam Mulvaney, another senior captain, starts at running back and plays outside linebacker on defense. Brian Keefe, Nick Leccese and Elias Pereira are receiving targets for Salyards.

“I think our speed, especially at the specialty positions, is going to be a strength,” MacLean said.

In addition to the speed, Hopkinton has a pair of sizable linemen who will anchor both sides of the line. Aidan Morin and Hayes Pearson-Woodruff will serve the dual role of protecting their quarterback while trying to get after the opposing

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With the pandemic still raging, there is no question this season is different than any other. MacLean said the players have handled it well and rolled with the changes thrown their way.

“They have been great,” he said. “They know that every day something could happen and the season could be over, so they are doing everything they are asked to do. They just want to play.”

There are a number of strange aspects to this season. The locker rooms are not available due to COVID-19 protocols.

“We show up on the field and we have to spread out,” MacLean said. “It’s not like before when we would be in the locker room and then go out on the field together. We can’t do that.”

For halftime, instead of retreating to the locker room, the team will find a place outside to regroup and make adjustments for the second half. On game days, coaches will have the added responsibility of making sure the players keep their spacing on the sidelines.

By far the strangest part of the season is when it is taking place. Usually Hopkinton and other high school football teams around the state would suit up on Thanksgiving. This year, there will be a game the day before Easter.

“That’s the weirdest thing,” MacLean said. “Just knowing that it’s March and April and we are playing football.

It’s weird.”

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24 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Sports HHS swim team makes splash in quiet meets

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer There are a lot of strange aspects to the 2021 season for the Hopkinton swimming and diving team. The season is just beginning, but the calendar reads March. Meets are virtual, there are only 24 swimmers allowed in the pool at a time, and, when they are not in the water, they have to wear masks.

But the strangest part, head coach Kristen Webber said, is the silence.

“It’s definitely different, the meet moves very quickly and we are fortunate that we can have a limited number of spectators,” Webber said. “There is no cheering, just clapping. It’s a quiet pool area, which is different, they have to adjust and motivate themselves on their own.”

The biggest adjustment, she said, is having such a low-key environment but trying to make it as competitive as possible.

Hopkinton is competing in the socalled “Fall 2” season, which is wedged between the modified winter and spring sports schedules being played during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hillers were unable to swim during the winter due to a lack of facilities. The health crisis meant they were unable to use

It’s a quiet pool area, which is different, they have to adjust and motivate themselves on their own.

— HHS swim coach Kristen Webber the pool at Keefe Tech, so Hopkinton is practicing and competing at Milford this year (Milford already has wrapped up its season).

Hopkinton began the year with a meet against Waltham and Malden. Like all meets this year, it was virtual. While the Hillers swim and record their times in Milford, their opponents do the same at their facilities and the times then are compared to see who comes out on top.

Milford was able to host live swim meets during its season, but the Hillers’ league has decided to make all meets virtual despite the size of the MHS pool allowing for proper social distancing with two teams there at once.

Webber said her team is adjusting to the changes brought on by the pandemic. With 35 total swimmers and no

HHS volleyball rallies past Ashland

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more than two dozen allowed in the pool at once, the team has focused on staying together even though it has to practice in two groups.

Even though it is a strange year, Webber said several of her swimmers might be looking to continue in the sport at the collegiate level, so maintaining a high level of competition is important.

Senior captain Alyssa Fischer is someone who could earn points in a variety of events.

“She can kind of swim any race,” Webber said. “She is a distance swimmer, but she is versatile and she can do a lot of different events.”

Junior Tess Weatherhead is expected to be competitive in the diving events, the coach said.

On the boys’ side, Tyler Holbrow is

another versatile athlete.

“He is mostly a butterfly swimmer but he is useful, he can move around to different events as well,” Webber said.

Junior Kevin Gu started branching out to the individual medley and the butterfly last year, something Webber expects will continue this season. Junior Tyler Fallon is another strong swimmer, and Webber praised all of her top athletes for the way they work during practices.

“Being a good practice swimmer is a big goal of ours,” she said. “Just making sure everyone can motivate each other during the practice when they are all very spread out, you don’t have the same team mentality. So the goal is to get everyone working their hardest in this different environment.”

Ramping up quickly is especially important this season. The Fall 2 campaign spans just six meets crammed into a little over a month, with the last one scheduled for April 12. Webber is hopeful the team will take advantage of the chance to suit up after a lack of pool time pushed the season back from the winter months.

“I am thankful we did this to give the kids something to do besides go to remote school and stay apart from each other,” she said. “It’s a short season, but I’m glad we were able to have it.”

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Avenging the first loss of its season two days earlier, the Hopkinton High School girls volleyball team swept Ashland 3-0 on March 18 in Hopkinton.

Junior outside SPORTS ROUNDUP hitters Kate Powers and Melanie Gildea led the way for the Hillers, who started slow before taking control. In the opening set, the hosts fell behind 7-1 before rallying for a 25-21 victory. Hopkinton carried over the momentum into the second set, starting with a 5-0 run and posting a 25-17 victory. HHS closed out the match with a 25-13 victory in the third set, ending with an ace from Cathryn Leighton.

On March 16, the Hillers dropped a 3-1 decision at Ashland. After losing the first two sets 25-23 and 25-18, Hopkinton came back with a 25-22 victory.

Ashland ended it with a 25-22 victory in the fourth set.

Powers led the HHS effort with 10 kills, two blocks and three aces. Gildea contributed 10 kills and an ace, and Millie Sensensey had nine kills.

The week prior, HHS swept Holliston on March 9 and 11, blanking the Panthers 3-0 both times. Standouts in those matches included Cadyn Boyce, Sam Berenson, Rachel Leeret, Leighton, Gildea, Powers and Senseney.

Swim team starts strong On March 8, the HHS swimming and diving team recorded victories over Malden (102-68) and Waltham (117-52) in a virtual meet, with the Hillers competing in Milford.

Kevin Gu, Lucas Coffman and Deirdre Belger swept the 200 free vs.

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Waltham, while Olivia Scalora recorded a personal-best time in the 50 free.

The Hillers competed again March 15, but had to wait until the end of the week for the results from its opponent, Holliston, which was not racing until March 19.

Hillers named TVL All-Stars The Tri-Valley League recently named its winter All-Stars, and Hopkinton was well-represented.

In boys indoor track and field, Ethan Champlin was named MVP, while Tommy Bernardin, Nick Brown, Sean Golembiewski, Aidan Morin, Harrison Prucher and Wyatt Ruff were tabbed as All-Stars. For the girls, Ellie Driscoll, Olivia Jones, Grace Joy, Kate Powers and Hailey Tolson were recognized as All-Stars. Aiden Rowell, Katie Callery, Catherine Dacey, Tiffany Mikulis and Autumn Tumbleton received honorable mention. Coaches Michael Donahue (boys) and Jean Cann (girls) both were named Coach of the Year.

In boys hockey, Pavit Mehra, Colin Norred and Ronnie Shamus were named All-Stars, while Joey Carrazza, Cam Jerrett, Geoff Tocco and Aidan Walsh received honorable mention.. For the girls co-op team, Kristin McCluskey was an All-Star.

In girls basketball, Lauren Cho, Kiki Fossbender and Lulu Murphy were All-Stars. Nate Kasper and Brian Keefe were All-Stars for the boys team, which won the league’s Team Sportsmanship Award.

For the alpine skiing teams, Cate Barry and Jackson Schlussel were Central Massachusetts Conference Ski League champions.

The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 25

Obituaries Charles Campbell Charles E. Campbell III, 73 of Hopkinton and formerly of Holliston, passed away unexpectedly on March 3. Charles (Chuck) was born on Aug. 8, 1947, in Berlin, Germany, son of Charles E. Campbell Jr. and Marion Doyle Campbell.

Chuck leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Carolyn (Degler) Campbell, his brother, John of West Palm Beach, and his nephew, Alex of California. His late sister was Marion Wade Campbell.

He and his family moved to the United States in 1953, settling in Connecticut. Chuck’s mother was a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer for Reuters in 1954.

Chuck attended Darien High School and then served in the military in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he became a state trooper in Connecticut and then in Massachusetts when his family moved. He went on to complete his studies at Northeastern University and earned his bachelor’s in journalism and his master’s in counseling. Chuck spent 17 years at Motorola Codex as the director of human resources and subsequently at other technology companies as director and vice president of human resources.

For the past 28 years, Chuck has been the owner and principal of Argyle Consultants, an HR consulting and coaching firm. He is best known for establishing the Senior Human Resources Network (SHRN) as a founding member who touched the lives of hundreds of HR professionals in transition and networking.

His candor, insight, counseling, friendship and beautiful heart helped an innumerable number of executives throughout his career. His selfless passion for supporting others and promoting the HR profession has created a legacy within Massachusetts.

Following a private graveside ceremony, Chuck was buried at Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston. A celebration of life event will be scheduled for later in the year. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the following of Chuck’s charities: American Wounded Heroes (woundedheroesofamerica. org), American Cancer Society (cancer. org), Disabled American Veterans (dav. org), and The Humane Society of the United States (humanesociety.org). Arrangements were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home.

Derek Dempsey Derek Holden Dempsey, 36, of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away March 15 at Rhode Island Hospital after a long struggle with a heart infection. Born in Worcester in 1984, he was the son of Jennifer Holden and James Dempsey.

Derek attended Hopkinton Public Schools and began to study at an automotive school before being employed with

California Closets, where he worked for many years. He continued to love working on cars, had a knack for anything mechanical, and enjoyed making things for others. He especially enjoyed time spent with his daughter, Claire. She put a twinkle in his eyes from the moment she was born, and he always taught her that she was capable and strong.

Derek was lifelong friends with his two younger brothers, Jon and Geoff. He gained an older sister, Sarah, when his dad married Gail, and the two formed a lasting and unique sibling bond.

Derek is survived by his daughter, Claire Dempsey and her mother, Lauren Matias, both of Ashland; his mother, Jennifer Ann Holden and her partner, Richard Schnitzlein, of Upton; his father, James Dempsey and his wife, Gail M. Dempsey, of Worcester; and his siblings, Sarah Dempsey and children Madeleine and Maximus Corriveau of Worcester; Jonathan Dempsey and wife Jessica Pearl of Landenburg, Pennsylvania, and Geoffrey Dempsey and partner Marissa Douglas of Philadelphia.

His life was cut short, but he touched many hearts in the time he was with us, and he will be remembered as a warm, kind, and gentle soul by his family and many friends.

The family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to the Rhode Island Hospital Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care staff for the loving and expert care they gave to Derek.

Private family arrangements are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association (heart.org) or Learn2Cope.org.

Charles Clifford Charles A. Clifford of Foxboro, formerly of Falmouth and Watertown, died on March 12. He was the husband of Joan L. (Keenan) Clifford, who predeceased him in 2018. They were married for 65 years. Charlie and Joan raised their family in Belmont, Watertown and Falmouth before moving to Foxboro.

Charlie was born July 2, 1928, in Watertown, the fifth of six children of Clarence and Mary (Connors) Clifford. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School, Class of 1946. Drafted into the Korean War, he served two years in the U.S. Army, traveling to Japan and when returning home twice celebrated the 1953 New Year when sailing over the International Date Line. He married Joan in St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown in 1953. He attended Northeastern University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1959.

In his youth Charlie held many jobs, including at St. Patrick’s Church, Jordan Marsh and Higgins Ice Cream shop,

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bringing home pints of ice cream to his young bride. He started his business career at Hartford Life Insurance and then worked for John Hancock. In 1985 he launched his own business, Clifford Pension Services Inc., now Beacon Benefits, Inc. Charlie leaves his six children and their families: Janet M. (Martin) Kawa of Dartmouth, Carole C. (Gary) Atkinson of Reading, Eileen C. (Dana) Miskell of Falmouth, James B. (Robin) Clifford of Needham, Christine J. (David Bashy) Clifford of Hopkinton, and William C. Clifford and fiancé Robin Moyer of Hamilton. His grandchildren include Carolyn Kawa (Michael) McKnight, Michael and Karen Atkinson, Lee Ann (Donald) Piatt, Brian Miskell (Claire Yenson), Bridget Miskell, Sarah and Alexandra Clifford, Amelia Bashy, Torin and Konrad Clifford, and he has two great-grandchildren, Prince McKnight and Abigail Piatt.

Charlie also is survived by his brother, Paul F. Clifford of Lincoln, and his sister-in-law, Mary T. Keenan of Watertown.

Charlie was predeceased by four siblings: John J. Clifford, Virginia G. White, Marjorie A. McNicholas and Madeline M. Owen.

Charlie was a communicant, Eucharistic minister and CCD teacher at St. Mary’s Church in Foxboro. He also was part of the church choir and the Serenading Seniors. In his retirement, Charlie volunteered at the Foxboro Historical Society and Foxboro Senior Center.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Village at Willow Crossing for assisting Charlie and Joan over the years, and the staff from Old Colony Hospice for providing exceptional support.

A funeral Mass was held March 17 at St. Mary’s Church, Foxboro. Burial was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Watertown.

Arrangements were handled by Robert & Sons Funeral Home, Foxboro.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Friends of the Foxboro Seniors, P.O. Box 116, Foxboro, MA 02035-2202.

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26 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

Police Log ARRESTS March 2

5:52 p.m. On West Main Street, Officer Brendon Lyver arrested a Whitinsville resident on a warrant charge.

reported a chimney fire and was advised to evacuate the residence. Officer Nathan Wright responded along with the Fire Department. The wood stove subsequently was cleared of debris and the chimney and roof were cool to the touch.

March 3 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

1:17 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley found a tree limb blocking the roadway of North Mill Street and notified the DPW. 1:18 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright removed debris from the roadway of West Main Street.

1:30 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright found a tree partially blocking the roadway of Pond Street and notified the DPW. 1:49 a.m. Sergeant William Burchard removed a trash barrel from the roadway of Grove Street.

2:28 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright removed a trash barrel from the roadway of Downey Street.

5:23 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley removed tree limbs from the roadway of Wilson Street.

5:57 a.m. A caller reported a tree blocking the roadway of Old Farm Road. Sergeant William Burchard responded and confirmed a small pine tree in the road and notified the DPW. 8:02 a.m. A DPW employee reported a tree on wires on Saddle Hill Road. Eversource was notified.

8:34 a.m. A caller reported a deceased cat on the side of the roadway of Sadie Lane. The DPW was contacted.

8:55 a.m. A caller reported a chimney fire on Clinton Street. The house was evacuated. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department.

1:17 p.m. The Water Department reported receiving another complaint of a decommissioned town service truck involved in a road rage incident. Officer Benjamin Stickney spoke with the Water Department and assisted with the case.

11:34 p.m. A Lumber Street resident

1:53 p.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers received a call about a missing student. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Matthew Santoro, Brian Sanchioni and Moira McGaffigan responded and searched for the student.

She was found walking on West Main Street. Officer McGaffigan provided her with a ride back to Hopkins School.

5:42 p.m. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department to a report of inside odor of natural gas at a Joseph Road residence. It was determined the gas stove likely was the source. Eversource was contacted.

11:05 p.m. A caller reported a person driving a vehicle down Wood Street and opening all the mailboxes on the street. When the caller confronted the person, she became defensive. Officer Nathan Wright responded and spoke to the woman, who was placing flyers in mailboxes.

March 4

11:52 a.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded along with the Fire Department to a report of the odor of natural gas on Main Street in front of CVS. Eversource was notified.

11:59 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving two cars. Officers Ryan Polselli and Moira McGaffigan responded and requested an ambulance. Both people refused care. A tow truck towed one vehicle. Officer McGaffigan took a report.

2:32 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to a report of a past breaking and entering of a motor vehicle on Cedar Street. Upon arrival, Officer Polselli discovered two other vehicles were broken into. Officer Benjamin Stickney responded to investigate. Officer Polselli took a report.

March 5

9:32 a.m. Multiple calls were received about a Harvey’s dump truck that dropped plastic into the roadway of Wood Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan

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responded and notified Harvey’s, which was to pick it up.

11:13 a.m. A caller reported illegal dumping on Clinton Street, where a couch and cabinet were found on the side of the roadway. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and notified the DPW. 10:50 p.m. A caller reported a verbal altercation between two males in the middle of the roadway of Pegs Way. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Robert Ekross and Brittany Firth responded and the men were gone upon their arrival.

March 6

1:31 a.m. A construction crew on South Street reported a motor vehicle was cutting off their construction vehicles. Officer Brittany Firth responded and the vehicle was gone upon her arrival.

3:15 p.m. A caller reported a disabled motor vehicle and a female in distress on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

March 7

1:36 p.m. A caller reported a black Lab mix loose in the State Park on Cedar Street. Officers Jay Deiana and Brian Sanchioni responded and reported the dog was gone upon their arrival.

Baypath reported the dog was located on Route 85.

2:55 p.m. A caller reported a black dog loose on Saddle Hill Road. Officers Jessica Ferreira and Brian Sanchioni responded and the dog was gone upon their arrival.

3:09 p.m. A Hidden Brick Road resident complained of a young male who races his cars — a BMW and a Honda — through the neighborhood, revs his engine making disruptive noise, and endangers those who walk their dogs in the area. Officer Cody Normandin responded and completed a check of the neighborhood.

March 8

11:34 a.m. A Claflin Avenue resident reported a missing yellow Lab. The animal control officer was notified.

11:39 a.m. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded to a motor vehicle accident with no personal injuries on Grove Street. A criminal application was issued and a report was taken.

6:25 p.m. A motorist reported he almost hit a black dog on Cedar Street.

The dog subsequently ran into the woods. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:34 p.m. A Pond Street caller reported a property dispute with his neighbor, who was camping on his property.

Officer Brendon Lyver responded and spoke with the reporting person, who was not sure if it was his property or not.

9:41 p.m. Officer Brendon Lyver came upon a TV on the side of the roadway of Clinton Street. A message was left with the DPW.

March 9

8:52 a.m. A caller reported her friend’s dog, a black and white Lab/ collie mix, was lost in the State Park on Cedar Street two days earlier. The caller was advised to notify the Ashland Police

HopkintonIndependent.com

Department as well.

11:13 a.m. A motorist reported a suspicious accident on West Main Street where a vehicle hit her parked car and the driver abandoned the vehicle. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Brian Sanchioni, Moira McGaffigan and Jay Deiana responded. Officer Deiana took a report.

3:21 p.m. A Lumber Street caller reported someone pulled up in a vehicle and dropped a set of keys out the window. Officer Cody Normandin took a report.

3:54 p.m. Officers Preston Mucciarone and Brendon Lyver responded along with the Fire Department to a report of the odor of natural gas on Davis Road. The Housing Authority was contacted to have maintenance respond.

The gas was subsequently turned off.

4:01 p.m. A caller reported finding a wet and shaking beagle in the roadway of Hill Street and took it to Baypath.

The animal control officer was notified.

March 10

10:39 a.m. A Cedar Street caller reported his yellow Lab was missing. A message was left for the animal control officer.

1:36 p.m. A caller reported a roadway sign on West Main Street was damaged and causing a severe solar glare off it. The DPW was contacted.

4:22 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded to a report of a fallen tree on wires on Piazza Lane. Verizon was notified.

March 11

7:36 a.m. A caller reported a turkey was hit on East Main Street and was creating a road hazard. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and moved it to the side of the road. The DPW was contacted.

10:23 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro reported a loose dog causing an issue at Hopkins School on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and reported the dog was picked up before his arrival. The animal control officer was notified of the incident.

1:54 p.m. A detail officer reported a motor vehicle accident with no personal injury on Main Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and took a report. Verizon was notified of pole damage.

2:26 p.m. A caller reported finding a dog on Grove Street. A Baypath employee arrived on scene to bring the dog to the shelter. The animal control officer was notified.

5:01 p.m. Officers Jessica Ferreira and Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a shed on fire on Meserve Street.

The fire was extinguished.

9:00 p.m. Officers Tyler Brabham, Preston Mucciarone and Jessica Ferreira responded to East Main Street to assist the Milford Police Department in obtaining a victim involved in a shooting in Milford.

10:18 p.m. Officers Preston Mucciarone and Tyler Brabham discovered a fallen tree on School Street and notified the DPW of the road hazard.

March 12

4:22 p.m. A caller reported a lost black and white dog that weighs 40

The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021 • 27

Police Log pounds. Officer Cody Normandin responded and notified the animal control officer. The owner subsequently arrived to pick up the dog.

6:33 p.m. A walk-in reported a customer threatened a pharmacist over the phone at a local pharmacy. Officer Cody Normandin spoke to the pharmacist and took a report.

Sanchioni and Moira McGaffigan responded and removed the debris.

4:43 p.m. A caller reported two people walked into the woods on Duffield Road with firearms.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

March 13

March 14

12:44 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright removed debris from the roadway of Saddle Hill Road.

12:50 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley removed a tree from the roadway of Frankland Road. The DPW was advised.

12:59 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright removed a trash barrel from the roadway of Falcon Ridge Drive.

1:07 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright removed debris from the roadway of School Street.

3:15 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright removed debris from the roadway of Rocky Woods Road.

5:46 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright removed trash barrels from the roadway of Wood Street.

7:27 a.m. The Southborough Police Department reported a fallen tree on Cedar Street. Officers Brian

tor later called back and spoke with Officer Normandin.

March 15

7:02 a.m. A Cobblers Way resident reported the smell of smoke in a bedroom. No smoke or fire was present. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department, and an electrical problem with the HVAC system was discovered.

7:24 a.m. A Hidden Brick Road caller reported a raccoon was acting strangely in her driveway. A message was left for the animal control officer.

8:58 a.m. A Constitution Court caller reported trespassing. A man was in her apartment and would not leave.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Jay Deiana and Brian Sanchioni responded and removed the individual.

2:53 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Pond Street involving personal injury, including a head laceration. Officers Cody Normandin and Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department. Verizon and Eversource were notified of a snapped pole. A report was to follow.

9:37 a.m. While on a detail on South Street, Officer Philip Powers reported a transformer explosion. No smoke or fire was present. Eversource was contacted.

10:30 a.m. While on a detail on South Street, Officer Robert Ekross reported a construction crew caused damage to a sidewalk. Officer Ekross left cones in the area and wanted the damage logged.

3:02 p.m. Multiple callers reported fallen power lines and trees across the roadway of Hill Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and contacted Eversource and Verizon.

7:43 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a deer on Wood Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Cody Normandin responded and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival. The opera-

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Crews from Westborough battle a fire March 14 at the Southborough Road and Gun Club on Fruit Street.

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A

fire that apparently started in a shed behind the Southborough Rod and Gun Club, which is located on Fruit Street in Hopkinton, spread to some trees but was quickly contained by fire crews March 14.

“It extended into the woods a little bit, and it was challenging,” Hopkinton Fire Chief Steve Slaman said the following day. “It had burned into some tree tops because it was so windy and dry out. So, most of our activity was working on the woods fire and keeping that from extending.”

Added Slaman: “The shed was gone when we got there, but the brush fire really could have been a challenge. But [the out-of-town crews] got a good hit on the brush fire, and it just took an hour of cutting some big trees that had fires on the tops and just wiping down the area. The crews did a nice job, and nobody got hurt.”

Slaman said the first call came in just before 8 p.m. Many of the calls were initiated by residents of Southborough and Westborough, as the property sits right on the border of all three towns.

The Southborough Fire Department responded first and soon was joined by crews from Westborough, Ashland and Hopkinton. Slaman said Hopkinton personnel were out handling two calls at the time: a medical emergency and some people trapped in an elevator at the Fairview Estates senior housing facility (no injuries were reported).

“We happened to have a couple of other calls going on at the same time so none of our duty crew was available,” Slaman said. “It was nice having the help from the other two towns that got calls. They were there and helped us really get on it.”

The Southborough firefighters “found the shed had already collapsed to the ground when they arrived and was burning, so it had been going for a little while,” Slaman said, noting that the shed appeared to be for warming, as it was equipped with electrical power and a wood stove.

An investigation began immediately.

“It was challenging to see any real origin area because the fire had burned [the shed] so extensively,” he said. “So we did some interviews and we’re just following up with some of that today. No cause has been determined yet.”

With dry, windy conditions, the town was under a red flag warning — meaning there was an elevated fire risk — for a few days leading up to the fire and remained so the following day, even with temperatures in the 20s.

“Cold isn’t really the big factor. It’s all about the relative humidity and dryness of the earth, and the combination of the two is really bad,” Slaman said.

“I definitely don’t like having people out in this.

There were a lot of challenging conditions [that] night. The water was freezing up and you can get slip hazards and all that. So it’s not good to be out fighting brush fires in this type of weather. It was really, really windy [that] night.”

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28 • The Hopkinton Independent • March 24, 2021

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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.

Customers choosing to shop in-store are asked to wear a mask and social distance per WBOH regulations. Thank you!

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