Hopkinton Independent 5/5/21

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 9 | May 5, 2021

Candidates reflect on past service, seek new support

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

H

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

THAT’S THE 1

Hopkinton firefighters Becky Lapierre (left) and Jim Gosselin pose in front of the department’s new ladder truck. Crews were training on the vehicle late last month before placing it into service.

opkinton voters got a chance to hear from the candidates running in the May 22 Town Election thanks to a virtual forum hosted by the Hopkinton Women’s Club on April 28.

This is the 33rd time the organization held the Meet the Candidates Night and the first time it was done virtually, in response to COVID-19. Last year’s event was canceled.

Although it was originally scheduled for two hours, the forum only lasted for one, as no residents submitted questions to the candidates through the chat feature.

Moderator Kathleen Hebden of the Hopkinton Women’s Club read one previously emailed question that asked the Select Board and School Committee candidates about their past activities, what they meant to them, and how those experiences impacted the town.

The School Committee is the only contested race, with three candidates vying for two seats. Incumbents Forum | 9

Bystander training seeks to help defuse issues

INSIDE TOWN MEETING

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

F

reya Proudman is a self-described “first-generation U.S. immigrant” who graduated from Hopkinton High School in 2018. Yet until she attended a recent training as a member of the Hopkinton Freedom Team, she said she hadn’t felt a true sense of belonging in the town.

“I come from a cultural linguistic minority group and I’m part of the LGBT+ community,” she explained, noting that she emigrated from Wales as a young child and speaks the Welsh language. “It was so incredibly heartwarming to see people learn tools to help make Hopkinton more inclusive, safe and welcoming for people like me and other members of racial and social minority groups.”

The Hopkinton Freedom Team (hopkintonfreedomteam.org) is holding a two-part active bystander training on May 18 and June 9 (5:30-8 p.m. both nights) to help people constructively resolve everything from microaggressions to witnessing acts of

f Hf

Bystander | 6

Preparations continue for May 8 gathering

5

NEWS Hopkinton’s Freya Proudman, who emigrated from Wales as a young child, is among those participating in the Hopkinton Freedom Team’s active bystander training, a program that seeks to encourage individuals to find ways to resolve tense situations, especially those that involve prejudice.

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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.

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

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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.

Laughter yoga best medicine for Hopkinton’s Komaragiri K

iran Komaragiri has a simple goal: She wants people to laugh more.

The Hopkinton resident strives to achieve this goal not by performing comedy or creating viral videos but via laughter yoga, a relatively new practice that originated in her native country of India.

“Yoga itself is like a huge ocean,” Komaragiri said. “Laughter yoga is like a tiny drop in that ocean. The focus is all on laughter. The yoga part comes with the addition of deep breathing exercises.”

Komaragiri, who INDEPENDENT has lived in town with THOUGHTS her husband and two children for the last JERRY SPAR five years and works in the corporate fashion industry, started her program last year during the pandemic, primarily offering it to groups in town.

Then earlier this year she started a virtual laughter club for women in the area, called Hopkinton Laughs (hopkintonlaughs. com).

“I wanted to start a social laughter club five years ago,” she said. “Life kept me from taking to it and starting it. Something like corona was needed, I guess, to just realize that there’s so much suffering and stress all around. That’s why I was like, ‘I just have to do it.’ I think that was the biggest impetus for me, this whole corona and everything people were going through. It started mainly as a thank you to frontline workers. That’s why I started it.”

Komaragiri trained virtually with Dr. Madan Kataria, who founded laughter yoga in Mumbai, India, in 1995. She was inspired by remembering her own childhood that was filled with laughter and wanting to share that with her children.

“As a kid and a teenager, I was somebody who used to laugh at the drop of a hat, very easily,” she said. “I absolutely love laughing. I used to laugh very gregariously as well. … I realized as an adult that I wasn’t laughing as much as I did as a kid or a teen, and I wanted to change that.

Especially because now I have a middle schooler and elementary school child, and I wanted to give that to my children, that we laugh together how I did with my mom. I just wanted them to do it with me, and to do that I’m like, ‘I just need to laugh more.’

So, on that journey I discovered something called laughter yoga, the concept. I wanted

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Kiran Komaragiri runs a free laughter yoga class for women in the area, and she leads sessions for other local groups as well.

to get training in it and I did.”

Komaragiri’s 10-year-old daughter, Pallavi, now helps her mother with “almost every session.” Said Komaragiri: “Thanks to her, laughter yoga has become a family affair for us.” Komaragiri also credited resident and participant Sahana Udupi “for her unwavering belief in what Hopkinton Laughs has set out to do” and for spreading the word.

Komaragiri explained that there are three keys to laughter yoga. First, it has to be unconditional, where the participant is not relying on someone or something to make them laugh. Second, it has to be sustained, at least 15 minutes of on-andoff laughter. Third, it has to be belly deep, “which is what brings in the whole deep breathing part of it, which is the yoga part of it.”

“How we do it is, in our sessions we start with playfulness, kind of incorporating those habits of being less inhibited,” Komaragiri explained. “Then bringing playfulness, eye contact between participants. The exercises themselves bring the playfulness element. So these are some key threads that run throughout the session. We start with clapping and try playful rhythm: ho-ho, ha-ha-ha. With that, you’re actually kickstarting the breathing and also the playfulness. Even with that ho-ho, ha-haha you actually take your breathing and laughter from your throat to your chest to your belly. So with various steps like that you kickstart this whole process of belly deep laughter and breathing.”

Added Komaragiri: “It’s just training your body to laugh. And the biggest reason why this works is that your body cannot differentiate between fake laughter and Independent thoughts | 3

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The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 3

Businesses band together for Restaurant Week May 14-23 ith COVID restrictions starting to loosen, the inaugural Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s Restaurant Week, which runs May 14-23, comes at the right time for local dining establishments.

“It’s special that the chamber is doing some marketing for the restaurants that really need this help right after a really hard year, tough times coming out of the pandemic,” said Start Line Brewing owner Ted Twinney. “All restaurants are hurting, every single one. So this is a much-needed boost to all the restaurants.

“We’ve already had tremendous support from the local community, but I’m very confident that people will come out and make an extra couple of restaurant trips during the week and enjoy some great food and celebrate their town assets, these great restaurants.”

The chamber’s effort is not just to push people to get reacquainted with their favorite restaurants, but also to encourage them to try some new places in town. As an enticement, there will be deals, specials and prizes — including gift certificates.

Participating businesses range from standard dine-in restaurants to primarily takeout-based establishments and even smaller, snack-based stores. A full list of

participants will be posted on the Chamber of Commerce website.

“Almost every restaurant in town is participating, so we’re very excited about that,” said chamber vice president and event co-organizer Bryan Brown. “We’ve also had an overwhelming amount of sponsors — businesses that have stepped up. We are thrilled with the amount of businesses involved.”

Twinney, who recently was given permission by the town to expand his outdoor back seating area, hopes to entice foodies with an expanded menu.

“We are going to be starting our barbecue program that weekend, so our menu is going to expand dramatically for Restaurant Week,” he said. “We’ll be back with our smoked brisket, pulled pork ribs, brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches. It’s the return of the barbecue season for us, and we’re doing that for Restaurant Week.”

Twinney, who played a “minor role” in organizing the event, hopes residents will be motivated to see what new items other restaurants have to offer as well.

“It’s a community-wide, Hopkinton town-wide experience,” he said. “We’re encouraging everybody to go to all the restaurants and enter, try to win these gift cards, but also sample the specials and the new menu items all the restaurants are going to make during Restaurant Week.”

Resident shares laughter yoga

Relay for Life returns this month

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

W

Independent thoughts | from page 2

real laughter. Science and research has proven that the body cannot differentiate whether you’re laughing from a joke or you’re just fake laughing. And in no time, that fake laughter, in a community or a group, can turn into real laughter. But even if you’re practicing it by yourself, fake laughter gives the same results or brings about the same physiological and physical changes in your body and brain.”

Komaragiri acknowledges some people will find the concept a bit too strange.

In fact, she once had the same doubts.

“When I started, I knew there would be people who say, ‘What is laughter yoga?

It sounds silly or childish.’ And that’s part of it,” she said. “I remember even when I was training, even though I am somebody who can laugh very naturally, I found it honestly silly. I’m like, ‘How can you just laugh for no reason?’ And I’m somebody who wanted to do it. There is definitely a learning curve, where people have to be willful. Even the founder himself, he can’t make somebody laugh if you’re not willful.”

Komaragiri said she has conducted sessions with organizations including the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, some hospitals in the area, a local elementary school class and a Sunday school where she volunteers. She also has reached out to the Hopkinton Police Department and Fire Department in hopes of sharing her classes with first responders.

In the meantime, she will continue to run her sessions with other residents, hoping to make someone’s day a little brighter.

“I just want to do this because it makes me happy,” she said. “I don’t charge a single penny. It’s a free social laughter club, where people can come and learn the techniques and practice. It has been satisfying, but we need to get the word out, get more people involved. If I can take any stress away from any one person, that’s my goal.”

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The annual Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, returns this year, but it will look a lot different. There will be no overnight gathering at the Hopkinton High School track.

Instead, there is a series of events on May 15 to raise awareness and donations in the battle against cancer.

The day will start with a workout class from 9-10 a.m. outside the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, run by BodyFit’s Torsten Grabbert. From 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. there will be a luminaria bag decorating party at the senior parking lot in front of HHS. An Uhlman’s ice cream truck will be on site as well.

From 2-4 p.m. there will be a kidfriendly, walking and socially distant scavenger hunt starting at Center School and going around the center of town.

The event will wrap up with the luminaria ceremony — “a socially distant opportunity to gather and honor those who have cancer and those we have lost,” according to event chairs Ashley Wojcik and Megan Murchie — from 7:30-9 p.m. at the HHS track.

For more information, email hoprfl@ gmail.com.

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Cole honored by MRMC Hopkinton’s Debby Cole was among seven volunteers recently honored by Milford Regional Medical Center for logging 1,000 hours of service at the hospital. Each of the volunteers received a pin in recognition of their service. …

The Bishop Rice Council of the Knights of Columbus, which serves Hopkinton and Ashland, reported that its recent Food for Families virtual food drive raised $4,365 to support the Hopkinton Food Pantry at Project Just Because. The total “eclipsed all of our prior efforts,” a grateful co-chair Jim Kenealy stated.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021

Viewpoint Downtown project needs better communication On Monday, April 12, the strong fumes from the equipment idling and working in the parking lot at 3 Marshall Ave. triggered my wife’s asthma, which had not troubled her since the town allowed construction in that lot at the end of 2019. She ended up having to go to urgent care, where she was prescribed medication and given an outline for additional treatment since we have been told that this activity will continue for the duration of the Main Street Corridor Project.

The town’s decisions to not only renege on their 2019 promise to LETTERS TO not use this lot as a staging area for this project, but to keep us out of the THE EDITOR loop and uninformed as long as possible denied us the time to properly prepare for this situation. It beggars belief that such major decisions were unforeseen in a project that has been discussed “ad nauseam” (to quote Select Board member Brian Herr) over the past several years. Pushing through these decisions at the last minute with minimal discussion and consideration for the lives and well-being of the affected residents exposes a disturbing and disappointing lack of preparedness, if not ethics, on the part of the town.

In the town’s press release dated December 2, 2020, Mr. Khumalo stated: “A.F. Amorello has reached out to the Town to inquire about possible town owned properties that could be used as construction lay down areas and is also in the process of requesting information from MassDOT to begin developing a Health and Safety Plan.”

Why were we not notified then of the town’s intentions? Why did the town wait until March 10, 2021, to notify us that this was even a possibility, and why did we have to wait until several days after the perfunctory Parks & Rec meeting on March 17, 2021, before we were told that this lot would be used? Why were we given such little time to prepare after being told that we wouldn’t have to?

Communication is the key to any successful project. We want this project to go smoothly and be the kind of success that we can all be proud of, and we want to see our town continue to thrive once the project is done. However, town leadership’s continued struggles with planning and/or basic communication has us very worried about what is coming over the next three years and beyond.

— David and Lucia Lopez, Hopkinton

Loss of green space at Town Common disappointing Let’s be clear about what is happening to the downtown green space: 7,000 square feet of USABLE green space which is attached to the Town Common is being eliminated.

Will the Scouts, Garden Club, Polyarts, etc. be crossing Marathon Way to the Doughboy triangle to sell or exhibit their “wares”? Will the trees along Marathon Way be happier when the grass beneath their drip line is replaced by asphalt?

Call the 7,000 square feet of green space that is attached to the Common what you want, it is still part of the Hopkinton Historic District. It should have been protected. The [Historic District] Commission, a legal entity as defined by Massachusetts law, failed to honor [its] purpose, which is to preserve and protect the property located within the LEGAL BOUNDARIES of the Hopkinton Center Historic District. This includes roadways.

The 18,000 residents of Hopkinton were deceived as to the goals and objectives of the downtown project and the real costs that are being incurred.

Upstander training can make big difference I am writing to recommend upstander training sessions, offered to Hopkinton residents this May free of charge, provided by Hopkinton Youth and Family Services.

No individual should experience discrimination or harassment. And when it happens to one person, it brings more intolerance, exclusion and acts of hate to our communities and whole world. As I have noticed incidents of racism and harassment with my close friends and family, I also notice that people who are bystanders often don’t know how best to get people to stop, intervene and help make change. This includes me, and I want to do better.

I want us as a world to get better, not only from this pandemic but to co-create a different, more connected and caring world. The older I get, the more I want this world to be a better, more loving place for all of us, especially for our children. I imagine most of us want this.

Taking the upstander training offered by True Story Theater this past year has provided me with tools for learning how to speak out and work towards change. I have learned how to listen and engage in challenging conversations with people who believe/behave differently than I do politically, religiously, generationally or otherwise. I have been learning from these training sessions that engaging in hard conversations, even when conflict-laden or uncomfortable, is necessary for change to happen. I have also acquired skills in listening to promote understanding, finding common ground and also standing up as an ally for respectful, equitable and inclusive treatment of all people. This training also provided the unexpected bonus of enhancing close-to-home conversations with friends and family, including my own mother, whom I have been close with throughout life. Now, I am happy to say, thanks to all I have been learning, our relationship is even stronger.

For more details go to upstander training at hopkintonfreedomteam.org/events.

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The Hopkinton Housing Authority seeks an experienced housing administrator for leadership and management of its programs, properties, and contracts.The agency is also willing to consider proposals from other LH’s acting in the capacity of a management agency. The Hopkinton Housing Authority owns and operates 92 units of stateaided elderly/handicapped public housing, 6 units of state-aided family housing. The agency also over sees the management of 12 units of project based housing financed through MHP. The tenant selection process is done by SMOC.

— Beth and Rick Kelly, Hopkinton

— Cheryl Perreault, Hopkinton

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

Minimum Requirements: A minimum of two years’ experience in housing management, community development, public administration, or a closely related field. Knowledge of the principles and practices of housing management, finances and maintenance systems in public and private housing. One year’s experience overseeing at least three staff persons or program administration is required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Knowledge of laws regulating State housing programs. Experience working with people of various socio-economic backgrounds. Must be bondable. Certification as a Public Housing Manager from a HUD/DHCD approved organization is desired or obtained within one year of employment.

The salary range is up to $57,351.00 depending on experience and certifications and in accordance with the DHCD Executive Director Salary Schedule/Calculation worksheet. The work week is 26 hours per week with full benefits.

To apply submit cover letter and resume to DVMainsail@gmail. com with “Hopkinton E.D. position” in the subject line. A full job description is available upon request at this same email address.

DIVERSE APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Deadline for resumes: May 17, 2021. Late applications will not be accepted. The Hopkinton Housing Authority is an E.O.E.

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The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 5

Final preparations in place for May 8 Town Meeting

T

he Select Board recently voted unanimously to sign the Special Town Meeting warrant with the inclusion of the Elmwood School replacement project, joining the means tested senior citizen property tax exemption.

The Special Town NEWS BRIEFS Meeting will be held within the Annual Town Meeting on May 8 at the high school football field.

Annual Town Meeting is scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

Town clerk Connor Degan indicated residents should park at the Hopkinton Middle School water tower lot and walk down the access road that runs along the fields, where check-in will be set up. There will be small vehicles to transport individuals who have trouble walking.

The check-in lines will not be divided by precinct, so Degan recommends looking for the shortest line in order to keep things moving.

Degan also noted that there were different registration deadlines for Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting, so some residents could be eligible for only the Special Town Meeting, as its deadline was April 28, nine days after the deadline to become a registered voter eligible to participate in Annual Town Meeting.

Anyone seeking information about the articles up for discussion at Town Meeting can check out eHop’s Know Your Vote forum, which is available for viewing at HCAM’s YouTube page.

Street to be named for Hoyt

Teresa Road, the Hughes Farm Trail, to represent the property’s history.

Peter LaGoy of the Trail Coordination and Management Committee explained that the stone dust trail runs along an old farm road through land that was farmed by the Hughes family for about 70 years. The town purchased the property in 2012.

Laborers’ Training Academy plans expansion A notice of intent was filed by the Massachusetts Laborers’ Training Trust Fund for the construction of several buildings at the 37 East St. campus, including an addition to the Conti Building and construction of the new Crane Building and the new headquarters. The pond would need to be dredged, restoration work would need to be performed and utility work would need to be done on the site.

A representative for the nonprofit appeared before the Conservation Commission at its April 27 meeting to explain the plan (check HopkintonIndependent.com for more details). The hearing was continued to May 11.

m o M , u o y k Than

Thank you for taking care of us.

Community Summer Band returns The Hopkinton Music Association is sponsoring the 16th annual Hopkinton Community Summer Band. Individuals 14 years and older in the greater Hopkinton community who played an instrument in the past or currently play an instrument are welcome to join.

Rehearsals will be Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. outside of the Hopkinton High School band room or indoors in bad weather. Rehearsals start June 15 and continue through July 13. There also will be two Thursday rehearsals, on July 8 and July 15.

The band will perform July 18 on the Town Common as part of the Summer Concert Series.

There is a $40 registration fee to help defray some of the costs of the program.

For more information, visit the Hopkinton Community Summer Band page on Facebook.

The Select Board at its April 20 meeting voted unanimously in favor of naming a new street Hoyt Way in honor of Boston Marathon legend Dick Hoyt, who passed away last month at the age of 80. He was a familiar figure in town, often speaking to schoolchildren about his experiences pushing his paraplegic son, Rick, in the Boston Marathon and other races around the world. A statue of the Hoyts is in front of Center School.

The street will be located at Hopkinton Village Center, a residential development that will be constructed behind 25-35 Main Street.

Developer Chuck Joseph initially proposed Serving the street be called Hopkinton for Hoyt’s Run, but over 30 years! he told the board that he changed it to Hoyt Way after consultation with the Hoyt family. “ H e ’s b e e n CDC hygiene protocols for safety are in place. such an inspiration Call for an appointment to the community,” Joseph said of Hoyt.

508.435.9350 / razorsedgehopkinton.com The board ex42 Main Street Hopkinton • Parking lot on Walcott pressed full support for the idea.

“I think it’s a wonderful sentiHopkinton ment,” vice chair Irfan Nasrullah said.

“I think it means an awful lot.”

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violence or abuse, such as the murder of George Floyd and the recent bystander shooting death of a Boston grandmother.

It is cosponsored by Hopkinton Youth & Family Services and supported by members of the Hopkinton Youth Commission and the Hopkinton Cultural Council. The sessions are run by True Story Theater, a nonprofit improvisational theater group based in Arlington that seeks to create understanding, empathy and cultural competency by acting out real-life situations.

A separate two-part training for those in high school and college will be held on May 25 and June 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“I think the perspective that I bring to this a lot of young people feel that, when it comes to issues of diversity and inclusion, the generations above us aren’t necessarily as aware or engaged,” Proudman said. “To be honest, I really don’t think that’s the case. I think that while young voices might often be the leaders of some of these movements, I think our active bystander training event showed that people of older generations are really waking up and are just as much a part of this movement for greater inclusivity as us young people are.”

Many times, people who witness acts of microaggression or bigotry are not sure how to act or believe someone else will speak up in a person’s defense, said organizer Cathleen Dinsmore of the Hopkinton Freedom Team. This training provides constructive methods to handle various situations.

“Not only do we have different generations together, which is really exciting, but different groups as well,” Dinsmore said. “You can’t work on justice for one group without including everybody. That’s what people are starting to get to.”

Dinsmore said the previous training was attended by town officials and employees to help explore ways to understand and embrace the changing dynamics in Hopkinton.

“One thing True Story explained is that you can agree to

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disagree,” she said. “You can maintain your integrity and beliefs. But you need to find that common ground, and there’s always something you can start with.”

Planning Board member Muriel Kramer, who is a social worker, said she garnered a wealth of information from the training sessions she attended and was excited to see this expand on a community-wide level.

“I really feel like I learned a lot,” she said. “It was importantly hard. It offered a scaffolding for those who didn’t have knowledge. The way they guide this discussion is very intentional.”

Breakout sessions presented small groups with a challenging situation that they had to resolve.

“For me, what I thought was so important was building the bridge in conversation and interaction,” Kramer said. “The conversations were rich, complex, perhaps difficult, respectful but intentionally building towards understanding.”

Cheryl Perreault has a background in psychology. She pointed out that one reason the training is important is because it emphasized listening skills that may be declining in a world of technology and social media.

“There’s the important work of stopping before reacting and working to discover common ground,” she explained. “This is an exciting time to be looking after one another and caring for one another as connected people, as a human family.”

Added Kramer: “We have to find ways to meet conversationally in the middle in ways that incorporate truths.”

Stacia Friedrich Krozy said she has attended a number of trainings previously. However, this one stood out.

“I felt like I walked out of there with memorizations and tools that I have used as well as increased confidence,” she said. “At the second session, we talked about situations where we implemented them. I felt like these tools would stick with me for the rest of my life.”

The second session deals with more complex situations and knowing how and when to intervene while maintaining personal safety.

She noted that major shifts will not happen overnight. But the training provides the building blocks to engage in ongoing work.

All members agreed that the virtual environment actually improved deeper listening and participation. It was a safe space where people could connect names with faces.

“I like the intimacy of the Zoom,” Dinsmore said. “I felt I could be a little bit more comfortable than a roleplaying situation in person.”

“Sometimes it’s so easy to feel like the world is against you,” noted Proudman. “But having a whole Zoom screen of people who care and who want to make the town better is such a comforting and moving thought. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have good allies. You come away feeling like people really care for you.

“I would encourage everyone to attend this, even just as a sign that you see us and you hear us and you’re trying,” she added. “I think that’s all we can ask for.”

The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 7

Planning Board hears ideas about managing town’s future

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he Planning Board on April 26 heard a final report presentation prepared by the Growth Study Committee that recommended a number of initiatives to encourage development in Hopkinton, including the hiring of an economic development director.

Growth Study Committee members Fin Perry and Chuck Joseph gave the presentation at the direction of the Planning Board. It is a comprehensive look at trends and strategies to proactively manage growth, including increasing housing density downtown and growing emerging industries along the 495 industrial corridor.

The board members also expressed enthusiasm over the recommendation to hire an economic development director to seek new business opportunities for the town, although no vote was taken. The study will be discussed in further detail at the board’s meeting on May 17.

“The reason we were doing it is because people are concerned about growth in Hopkinton,” Perry said.

The report analyzed economic trends and compared Hopkinton with similar towns.

Joseph explained that Hopkinton’s population increased by 1,667 residents from 2015 to 2020. He attributed the growth to the explosion in condominiums over the past several years, mostly because of the Legacy Farms complex.

“It’s very unusual to get this intense a development over such a short period of time as has happened at Legacy,” he said. “One of the fascinating things about the growth in Hopkinton from 2000 to 2020 is the non-Legacy student population has remained fairly constant.”

The per household student count at Legacy Farms mirrors that of the town at large, Joseph also pointed out. He noted that there had been concerns raised about potentially having to build more schools over the next several years as the student population increases.

The study suggested the need to protect some of the town’s privately held large parcels. Some of these include the Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Association, the YMCA and the Hopkinton Country Club. In some cases, rezoning may be a consideration for the town, according to Perry.

For example, the Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Association, at more than 100 acres off Lumber Street, is currently zoned in a residential district but is next to a commercial district, he explained. If it were rezoned in a

commercial district, the property potentially could garner the town more revenue.

“There was a sense in the committee that we should not make recommendations but offer things to consider,” Perry said.

One idea was to focus housing density in the downtown to increase foot traffic and support businesses.

“The committee felt that where there’s an opportunity to allow greater density, where there’s an opportunity to perhaps allow greater commercial opportunities … the thing to do is do that downtown,” Perry said. “We’re talking about creating a historic preservation with a development overlay district. This would obviously take lots of thought and lots of study work.

“By encouraging increased residential density downtown, the thought is you’re not building new water, sewer, electricity, roadways and so on,” he explained. “You’re creating potentially much less land cost per developed unit because the land is already there. All you’re doing is making the pieces of it smaller.”

More residents, in turn, could support a business improvement district. This would be funded by a tax increment to participating businesses.

The 495 industrial area was another potential growth area that the study targeted. This area, located at South Street, Lumber Street and Elmwood Park, would be an area to attract industries including biotech firms, laboratories and manufacturing.

“The Growth Study Committee is recommending that the town hire an economic development officer who would research and get clarity on what public water, sewer and electric is available,” Joseph said. Another benefit would be to rezone older offices into senior housing.

“We always talk a lot about smart growth,” Planning Board chair Gary Trendel said. “The way I look at the recommendations here is that we’re acknowledging that we’re going to see growth somewhere. To me it’s a function of balancing that and a sort of give and take.”

Planning Board member Deb Fein-Brug noted that an addendum to the study to deal with “the postCOVID world” might be appropriate, as people from Boston are beginning to move to the suburbs. She also suggested a town forum at some point so that residents could “proceed very cautiously” with the information.

“One of the things that was very clear was that people want to maintain green space where applicable,” noted Fran DeYoung, who serves on both committees.

Resident dies after car accident A 61-year-old man from Hopkinton was declared dead April 27 after he was involved in a rollover crash in Interstate 495 in Tewksbury, according to State Police.

Kevin Furey was driving alone on I-495 South shortly after noon when his 2001 Mercury Sable drifted into the median and rolled down a shallow embankment. Police indicated that Furey appeared to have suffered a medical emergency prior to the accident. Tewksbury EMS attempted to provide assistance, but Furey was determined to be deceased at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved, police said, adding that the incident remained under investigation.

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Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee springs into action for Earth Day and beyond

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

he Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee is springing forward with a number of initiatives to protect the town’s environmental health and educate the public how to safeguard resources.

The group originally formed in 2008, but vice chair Rebeka Hoffman said it was reborn in late 2019 after years of inactivity.

“In 2019, I went to a Select Board meeting and in the citizen participation part I said we need to revitalize this,” she said. “Amy [Groves] got on board, and over the summer we met with town manager Norm Khumalo and [assistant town manager] Elaine Lazarus, and slowly but surely the wheels of government turned.”

Groves, the secretary, said it was difficult at first to transform the organization into something with a deeper mission “because the committee still

Vehicles line up to drop off furniture and electronics on April 24 outside Hopkinton High School as part of the Sustainable Green Committee’s Earth Day event.

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existed on paper.”

“It had not met for several years,” she said. “Obviously those previous members were not going to be part of this unless they stepped up. We had to figure out how to resurrect an existing committee, and Norman and Elaine were very helpful in that.”

One thing that surprised Groves was that the town did not have a sustainability coordinator, compared to surrounding towns, she explained.

“When we started this, we knew that some of the previous members and some town employees had done some good work,” she said. “Hopkinton had been designated as a green community years ago, and we have a big residential solar program. A lot of improvements have been made on municipal buildings and in the schools. But aside from that, we had no plan whatsoever for going forward, or the structure and people in place.”

“This was just the right time for us,” added Hoffman. “We had better get our act together as to how we treat the planet. It’s long overdue.”

Outreach has been a key component for the Sustainable Green Committee. It has been networking within Town Hall and beyond to gain momentum.

“We’re finding more and more groups that we need to work with and talk with,” Groves said, noting that the COVID pandemic had slowed the group’s traction in the beginning. “We have been talking with the Select Board, Parks & Rec and the schools. We’re finding that it’s really touching every aspect of residential and business life in Hopkinton.”

Groves pointed out that she and Hoffman are “a study in contrasts,” which reflects the dynamic composition of the 11 current members of the committee.

Chair Andrew Michael Hayes brings another dimension to the leadership team. He works in the water industry and formerly at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and has a background in environmental science. He also enjoys hiking.

“Having the opportunity to help the town is a big step forward,” he said.

“I came to this knowing nothing,” Groves added, “but I realized that I was someone who could keep the wheels moving. Some people have a deep expertise in this area. I just got involved because I have a deep sense of town pride. Maybe that’s a bit of a competitive sense of town pride.”

Hoffman, an avid camper and hiker, said she has been interested in environmental causes since her childhood.

“I preached my first sermon on it when I was a senior in high school,” she said, “but I was concerned long before that.”

Hoffman also has participated in the People’s Climate March.

“But where does the rubber hit the road?” she asked. “It should be right in the town you live in. There’s a whole bunch we can do right here given our government structure.”

One issue that got “folded into” the committee’s work is expanding the town’s recycling program. To that end, in honor of Earth Day on April 22, the Sustainable Green Committee held an electronics and furniture recycling event on April 24 from 9:30 to noon in the parking lot between the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and Hopkinton High School.

Green Committee | 17

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 9

CHRISTINE’S NAILS

Candidates share views at virtual forum Candidate forum | from page 1

Amanda Fargiano and Margaret “Meg” Tyler are running for reelection against newcomer Jared Pray.

The Select Board has two candidates for two seats: incumbent Irfan Nasrullah and Planning Board member Muriel Kramer.

Tyler highlighted her experience on the Full-Time School Reopening Committee as it navigated how to safely return students to class.

“As you know, we are all kind of suffering from a collective trauma right now trying to contend with all of the losses and stresses of the pandemic,” she said. “I think what really heartened me in that experience was the depth of

Meet the candidates for town positions The Town Election is scheduled for May 22. The only contested race is School Committee.

The Hopkinton Independent invited all candidates to answer some basic questions about their background and provide a general statement. Beginning on Page 10 we present the first group of responses. The remainder will be published in our May 19 issue.

Below is a list of all positions on the ballot.

School Committee (3 years, vote for 2) Amanda Fargiano, Unenrolled, Incumbent Margaret Tyler, Democrat, Incumbent Jared Pray, Unenrolled Select Board (3 years, vote for 2) Irfan Nasrullah, Democrat, Incumbent Muriel Kramer, Democrat Planning Board (5 years, vote for 2) David Paul, Unenrolled, Incumbent Robert Benson Jr., Democrat, Incumbent Planning Board (1-year unexpired term, vote for 1) Francis DeYoung, Unenrolled, Incumbent Board of Assessors (3 years, vote for 1) Lesley A. Ficarri, Democrat, Incumbent Board of Health (3 years, vote for 1) Regina Miloslavsky, Democrat Cemetery Commissioners (3 years, vote for 1) Thomas Pratt, Democrat, Incumbent

research that each participant engaged in, trying to come up with the right and scientifically based answers while also juggling the host of sentiments in the town.”

While parents expressed strong opinions on both sides of the issue, Tyler said she believed the committee “made the right decision.”

“We’ve got all the kids back in school, and from what I hear, it’s been a great success,” Tyler said, while acknowledging, “I know we didn’t please everyone, and that was really hard for us.”

Jared Pray reflected on his experiences coaching his daughter’s softball teams and learning from his daughter’s interactions with her peers.

“When they do something right and one of them gets it, they all kind of get it, and I really enjoy seeing that,” he said.

“The flip side of that is that coaching that big group of girls, you really get an appreciation for the teachers, particularly at some of the younger ages.”

Fargiano said that while she has served on a number of committees, “nothing has been as impactful” as her service on the School Committee.

“The impact on the community — whether you have students or not — is huge,” she said, noting the schools’ success affects everything from property values to public policy.

One of the achievements she cited was passing a policy in support of LGBTQ students so they would feel safe in the restrooms.

The pandemic’s effect on the schools was another chief concern.

“The burden of the decisions about whether to open,” she explained, “listening to all of our community members and having to respond to the fear and the anxiety and the stresses on the homes.”

Nasrullah spoke about his year of service on the Planning Board as well as his Select Board tenure.

“It has really given me the insight into how our town operates and how engaged our citizenry really is,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity to see how people really care about one another, care about their town, and it gives me further inspiration as to how I want to help serve the town and meet those needs.”

He added that his Planning Board service gave him knowledge as to how projects become approved, something he has carried to his current role.

Kramer has served on several boards and committees over the past two decades (including Select Board), and she said one role stood out.

“I truly enjoyed the time on the Master Plan Update Committee because it directly involved stakeholder engagement with all of the boards and committees in town and the people who are volunteering and spending time benefiting the community,” she said. “It mandated interaction and stakeholder engagement with the voters and the folks living in town who aren’t necessarily on boards and committees.

“I really very much prize the opportunity to interact with residents and understand their priorities and try to honor those priorities and put them into action.”

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Position being sought: School Committee (incumbent) Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Professor Education: Ph.D. Years lived in Hopkinton: 16 Governmental experience: School Committee member since 2018 (including the Reopening Planning Committee), Lake Maspenock Preservation Association board, Hopkinton Cultural Council committee member Additional volunteer/service experience: SEPAC and Friends of SEPAC, Cultural Council General statement: My family and I have lived in Hopkinton for 16 years; my son is in sixth grade. As a professor, I have been puzzling over equity, inclusion, effective curricula and student success for many years. I think it benefits the School Committee to have an experienced educator and researcher in its ranks. Not only do we craft and revise educational policy, we must also remain fiscally responsible — all in the service of providing adequate resources so the students can flourish.

What drives me to run again is a concern, foremost, for the well-being of each individual student. This last year presented us with a number of challenges, some of which we, as a committee, met decently, others which we are still in the process of addressing. In this time of upheaval, consistency has value. We have a good team in place; I’d like to see our collective efforts bear fruit.

JARED PRAY

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AMANDA FARGIANO Position being sought: School Committee (incumbent) Party affiliation: Unenrolled Occupation: Project consultant and business administrator for e-commerce consultancy Education: A.B. Harvard College, MBA Boston University Years lived in Hopkinton: 10-plus Governmental experience: Current: Hopkinton School Committee chair; previous: Hopkinton Youth Commission, Framingham Cultural Council; graduate of Metrowest Leadership Academy Additional volunteer/service experience: Over the years I have volunteered through a variety of organizations, including: eHop, Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention, youth soccer (as coach in Framingham and Hopkinton), FIRST LEGO League (as program organizer in Framingham and coach in Hopkinton), Superintendent Search Committee (as community delegate), HPTA (as extracurricular coordinator for Hopkins), HMS School Council General statement: Since 2018, I have dedicated myself to serving our district as we faced unprecedented growth and strove to meet the diversifying educational needs of our students. I deeply value, and have worked to promote, transparency, equity and inclusion, data-driven planning and decision-making, and educational excellence in its many forms.

Today, as we confront academic and mental health consequences of the pandemic, urgent needs for more anti-bias/anti-racism work, budgetary constraints, ongoing growth, and ever-expanding demand for services, our next steps are pivotal.

The knowledge and experience I have gained as committee member and chair are crucial to meeting the challenges ahead, including: — Assessing and mitigating pandemic impacts — Continuing to improve mental health and school climate for all — Continuing to identify and eliminate bias and racism — Addressing growing enrollment while strategically improving campus infrastructure — Maintaining excellence in academics — Developing budgets reflective of our collective priorities.

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Position being sought: School Committee Party affiliation: Unenrolled Occupation: Head of market access for a small pharmaceutical company Education: B.S. in chemical engineering from Bucknell University, master’s from Dartmouth College, MBA from Bentley University Years lived in Hopkinton: 16 Governmental experience: None Additional volunteer/service experience: Coach for youth sports General statement: My name is Jared Pray and I am running for a seat on the School Committee. With three young children, including a kindergartner and a thirdgrader, I have a strong vested interest in maintaining our excellent school system.

The district is at an inflection point — my near-term focus would be: — Continuing to navigate the challenges presented by COVID, along with the impact remote learning has had on all students. I believe the best place for our children to learn is in the classroom.

— Planning for future space needs given projected enrollment growth.

— Maintaining the current standard of excellence that has resulted from previous investment by the community and strong leadership to ensure Hopkinton remains a top-10 district in Massachusetts.

With my background and experience along with my own passion for excellence in this school district, I hope to earn your vote on May 22nd.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Hopkinton Town Election is scheduled for May 22

The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 11

Meet the candidates for town positions MURIEL KRAMER Position being sought: Select Board Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Health care consultant, licensed clinical social worker; formerly served in the U.S. Air Force Education: B.A. in mathematics, master’s in social work (MSW) Years lived in Hopkinton: 30 Governmental experience: Community Preservation Committee 2017-18; Hopkinton Planning Board 2017-present; Hopkinton Commissioner of Trust Funds 2014-20; Hopkinton deputy town moderator 2009-17; Hopkinton Select Board (then Board of Selectmen) 2005-08, served two years as chair; Hopkinton Master Plan Update Committee, chair, 2004-06; Hopkinton Voices for Vision 2003; Hopkinton Zoning Board of Appeals, associate member 2002-04 Additional volunteer/service experience: St. Matthew Parish religious education instructor 2005-14; HPTA enrichment coordinator 1997-99; HPTA board member 199495; La Leche League International: conference speaker, leader accreditation and chapter leader 1988-2009; Boy/Girl Scouts 1984-86, 1997-99, 2006-12 General statement: It will be an honor to serve again on the Select Board, and I am most interested in addressing the need to engage voters completely in the important conversations that take place and/or must take place as decisions are being made that affect everyone. Stakeholder engagement, equity and transparency have long been my professional and personal focus areas. I believe every person deserves an equitable seat at the table and further finds the mechanisms for issue resolution open, accessible, and welcoming.

Hopkinton needs to find ways to bridge differences, heal and recover fully from the pandemic, and ensure mental health is a priority focus especially for our children in the coming years. Perhaps most importantly, we need to find a way to celebrate and grow our diversity; we want every child growing up in Hopkinton to know they are surrounded by allies who will welcome, respect and protect them.

IRFAN NASRULLAH Position being sought: Select Board (incumbent) Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Attorney Education: J.D., Golden Gate University; Master’s of Studies in Environment Law, Vermont Law School Years lived in Hopkinton: 15-plus Governmental experience: Planning Board (1 year); Select Board (3 years) Additional volunteer/service experience: Massachusetts Attorney General’s Environmental Crime Strike Force General statement: I am running for reelection to the Select Board because I believe that especially during these challenging times, Hopkinton needs focused and engaged leadership.

The Select Board will need to communicate with local businesses and residents as we navigate the challenges of Main Street Corridor Project construction. Meanwhile, we must complete the construction of the additional downtown parking approved last year at Town Meeting. I advocate working to keep Hopkinton affordable through incentives such as the means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption, and I believe we should pursue such initiatives. And finally, we must continue working closely with the School Committee to keep putting our students first as we get them safely back to school.

I respectfully ask for your vote on Saturday, May 22, so that we can continue this work together and emerge from these difficult times stronger than ever.

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Hopkinton Home Prices are at Historic Highs

JOHN MORRIS

Position being sought: Housing Authority Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Corporate sales Education: B.S. in economics, Bridgewater State University Class of 2013 Years lived in Hopkinton: 3 Governmental experience: Current member of two appointed positions in Hopkinton, Hopkinton Tax Relief Committee and Hopkinton Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board Additional volunteer/service experience: Member, Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee General statement: We are incredibly fortunate to live in a community as sought after as Hopkinton. As one might expect, this has caused housing costs to increase substantially over the past decade. I believe the Hopkinton Housing Authority is critical to the health and well-being of our community by providing comfortable and affordable housing to low-income families, the elderly and non-elderly disabled households. If elected, I will ensure that we continue to fulfill the Housing Authority’s mission and set the course for future growth and excellence of the program.

MELISSA HAYES Position being sought: Commissioner of Trust Funds Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Student Education: Bachelor’s in political science, expected graduation May 2022 Years lived in Hopkinton: 20 Governmental experience: Internships with Representatives Jack Lewis and Caroline Dykema Additional volunteer/service experience: Volunteer for Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee; Framingham State Young Democrats founder and president General statement: I want to run for Commissioner of Trust Funds because I want a chance to give back to the community I have been a part of my entire life. I believe being a public servant for my town is a great way to give back to and improve my community.

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021

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T

he Kidsborough Summer Program offers new and exciting adventures for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Among the themed adventures, children will discover the magic of reading, learn about weather, explore the animal kingdom, play a life-size game of Operation, understand ways to keep the planet healthy, look at the science behind animation, journey through wild marine habitats and more. Scheduled field trips include Franklin Park Zoo, Hopkinton State Park and the Ecotarium.

Children also will create stunning works of art from unusual materials, engage in plenty of outdoor play and discover new skills and experiences.

“Concerned about the lost learning this year, we’re building in extras and supplementing activities with plenty of social emotional support to give each child the best possible summer and help prep them for the academic year ahead,” stated Christeen Rohwer, owner and program administrator.

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Rohwer’s son, Jakob, has been a Kidsborough kid since age 6. Following college, he became site coordinator for the Canton location.

“I love seeing Kidsborough kids at the grocery store,” he stated. “I’ve watched them grow and am proud of the role I’ve played, however small, in helping these children develop.”

Kidsborough offers a flexible schedule for families.

Reg- ister for a day or two, participate in one or more weeks, or join for the full summer.

The 34 Hayden Rowe St. location is open throughout the summer from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. with structured program hours between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Two healthy snacks are provided. Families pack a lunch and water bottle.

Kidsborough offers before and after school enrichment year-round as well as summer programming. State vouchers are accepted and financial aid applications are found online.

Discover more at kidsborough.com or call 508-435-5430.

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HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 13

Join our SUMMER LEAGUE Ages 13 – 16 June 14 – July 25 Ask about our All-Inclusive Crystal Pool & Spa: It’s all about fun Inground Pool

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

T

urn the backyard into a fun summer getaway! Picture children (and the young at heart) excitedly splashing around in a pool, taking in a lap before dinner, getting great exercise and having a good time.

Anyone who has a pool and needs accessories, service or repairs, or is interested in purchasing an above-ground pool, can visit Crystal Pool & Spa at 95 Mechanic St. (Route 140) in Bellingham.

Crystal Pool & Spa was founded by Verne and Nancy Brown more than 50 years ago and today remains family-owned and operated, proudly servicing families in Metrowest. Kimberly DiChiara is company president and the Browns’ granddaughter.

“I love my job,” DiChiara stated. “My sister Cindy and I are third-generation, and my son Keenan, nephew Timmy and fiancée Scott work alongside us. Grandma passed away last fall just before her 95th birthday, but we know she and Grandpa would be proud of their legacy.”

DiChiara grew up in the business and enjoys meeting customers, listening to their requests and facilitating every need.

“Thanks to our customers’ loyalty and patience this past year, our business never closed,” noted DiChiara. “This year, although we are seeing a shortage in

• Three games per week

• Weeknights 6:30 – 8:30pm Maintenance Package! chlorine supplies, we plan to offer acces• 12-game regular season sory chemicals to cut chlorine usage by with playoffs 30 percent.”

The company sells several styles of The league is for players above-ground pools, and staff members of all abilities. No tryouts. pride themselves on educating each cus- SPEC IAL tomer about their purchase.

Attendance is flexible.

DE “Caring for your pool is pretty straight- ALS this forward, but not everyone has the time d oray only!

For more information and to register go to HopkintonRec.org. desire to maintain one,” DiChiara noted.

“Once again, we’re excited to offer our Questions? Email hopkintonbaberuth@gmail.com all-inclusive pool maintenance package for customers’ ease and convenience.”

The package has grown in popularity over the years, and includes pool opening, weekly vacuums, chemicals and closing at season’s end.

“Customers love our service techs,” DiChiara added. “They’re reliable, knowledgeable and friendly, and just like family, we’ve worked together so long.”

The company also offers in-house service and repairs to a homeowner’s Dolphin robotic cleaner, along with filter cleaning, salt cell cleaning and testing, and rentals of the robotic cleaners and submersible pumps.

Discover more at crystalpoolstore. com, visit the showroom or call 508-9661322 with questions.

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

June 22–August 28 Ages 4 to 17

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021

The Whole Child provides supportive environment at Summer Academy

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

A

special five-week, full-day summer program is in store for rising fourth- through eighth-graders at The Whole Child, Inc., in neighboring Upton, starting July 12. The program supports youngsters through academic tutoring, social empowerment groups, enrichment activities and weekly trips to area attractions.

“We’re dedicated to empowering our youth with the broad skills needed to live a happy life in today’s world,” stated Sara Guerra, director of administration.

Therapeutic tutoring will focus on math, science, guided reading and writing, with differentiated instruction for each child’s learning style. Enrichment opportunities include art, music and wellness. Children may read a story and then create an artistic impression of the experience or write poetry, set their words to music and discuss the feelings music awakens in them.

“Our enrichment activities will introduce children to things they may have never experienced before,” added Guerra. “We’ll also focus on wellness and healthy living by incorporating yoga, general movement and outdoor play.”

The majority of individuals enrolled in programming are on the autism spectrum with a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Other participants are coping with extreme shyness, anxiety or social trauma. Because participants typically struggle with social emotional wellness, individuals will learn how to play and make friends in small, similaraged groups.

Guerra has two children on the

spectrum and has experienced firsthand their joy and growth through The Whole Child’s regular curriculum.

Listening to parents and understanding students’ needs, Guerra developed the Summer Academy program, weaving in the teaching of target skills throughout.

“The children will be having so much fun,” Guerra noted, “they may not realize how much they’re learning.”

Skills will include communication, social emotional, self-advocacy, sensory-motor, student and organizational skills, human relations and health knowledge. The Summer Academy is in addition to all other programming

available at The Whole Child.

Guerra describes the learning environment as a safe and comfortable one where children can be themselves and always find support and encouragement.

A registered nonprofit organization, The Whole Child, Inc. strives to service any family that needs help, regardless of their ability to pay.

To learn more or register for the Summer Academy, visit thewholechildmatters.org.

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

State gives Hopkinton Public Schools high marks

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

H

opkinton schools met or exceeded target goals at all educational levels, according to a report card recently released by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

That designation was the sixth of seven possible achievement levels for

Massachusetts schools. Only one is higher: school of recognition.

The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance, more than just MCAS scores, said Jennifer Parson, assistant superintendent for Hopkinton schools.

This report “represents a new way of looking at school performance” by providing information on a variety of topics, including student informa-

tion, teacher qualifications and student learning opportunities, among others, she said.

The report card underscores that “Hopkinton has consistently demonstrated excellent results in areas that reflect teaching and learning, such as student growth and performance,” she said.

DESE did not administer spring

Report card | 16

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The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 15

Schools HMS’ Noroian eager to do her part as Project 351 ambassador

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

N

o one person can solve all the world’s problems. But every person can make a difference, said Anna Noroian, an eighth-grader at Hopkinton Middle School.

“Small ripples can make a big wave,” she said. “Every step we take to be a better community together, I think that’s important.”

Noroian will spend the upcoming year making waves as she focuses on community service, as she was selected to be Hopkinton’s Project 351 ambassador.

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision, the Project 351 program honors his life and legacy by bringing together one eighth grade student from every community in Massachusetts. Together, these 351 students “embrace the responsibility to lead with a determination to make a difference,” according to

information provided by Project351.org.

“From 351 cities and towns, they become one community, one team, one force for extraordinary good,” according to the project website. “They join a warm, welcoming community built on the belief that service is joy and that worldchanging impact is possible. They offer their unique gifts, force of idealism and dedication to a cause greater than self.”

The program was begun in 2011 by then-Gov. Deval Patrick.

Noroian was nominated by her teachers for best exemplifying Hopkinton Middle School’s mission “to grow an active community of strong minds and kind hearts,” according to a message sent about her nomination to the middle school community.

“Her strong mind provides a foundation for not only academic success but to speak up when necessary and to serve as an ally for all,” middle school principal Alan Keller told the Hopkinton School

COVID surge strikes high school after vacation

T

he return to full-time in-person learning at Hopkinton High School hit a speed bump as double-digit COVID cases were reported within the first two days.

Even before the April 26 return, principal Evan SCHOOLS Bishop emailed the HHS NOTEBOOK community to announce there were two cases reported the previous day, which marked the end of April vacation. He then emailed three more times over the next two days (April 26-27) to announce a total of 10 new cases.

“The Hopkinton Public Schools are working closely with the Hopkinton Board of Health to ensure health and safety for all,” Bishop wrote.

Hopkinton health director Shaun McAuliffe stated there was no indication that the cases were related.

“All of the children had contact over the vacation with positive teammates, friends or family,” he emailed. “Residents are simply introducing too much risk into their daily lives.”

HHS reported six cases in the week before vacation.

There was a similar surge at the high school in March. At that time, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh noted that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would not consider the spike a reason to transition to all-remote learning because there was no evidence of in-school transmission of the disease.

Venkatesan, Prisha Shrivastava (first, Public Health), Marina Youssef, Avery Hutchinson, Vania Gautam (first, Public Service Announcement), Simran Kaur (first, Prepared Speaking).

Anna Noroian

Committee at a recent meeting. “She demonstrates a kind heart in every action; she is respectful, caring, thoughtful. Her teachers describe her as an asset to class discussions and a team player.”

In more traditional times, the ambassadors would gather at the Statehouse in Boston to meet and learn more about the year ahead. Instead, the ambassadors will break into teams that connect weekly via Zoom.

The project includes two major community service efforts. In the spring,

HHS, HMS robotics teams advance to worlds Five Hopkinton High School Hopkinetics teams (A, E, F, G and H) qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship. Team A won the Southern New England Excellence Award.

Meanwhile, three Hopkinton Middle School RoboHillers teams qualified for the VEX Robotics World Championship: Team 1715T Titans, Team 1515S StrikeForce and Team 1715Y RoboChickens. …

HHS student Kevin Gu was named winner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy competition for Massachusetts. Gu was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for his accomplishment. …

HHS sophomore Owen Fitzpatrick took first place in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Sportsmanship Essay Contest. …

The HHS team that competed in Season 12 of GBH’s High School Quiz Show lost in the qualifying round to defending champion Boston Latin by a score of 1,165 to 715. The Hillers were making their first appearance on the program since Season 4.

HHS students shine at HOSA conference

Local students recognized

The Massachusetts Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference was held April 10, and a number of Hopkinton High School students participated in competitions there.

The following students qualified to compete at the International HOSA Leadership Conference in June: Odundo Omondi (second place, Clinical Specialty), Omondi, Nandita Ramesh, Roma Tewari (first, Health Education), Prachi Meher (second, Medical Math), Noor Rana, Srilakshmi

Hopkinton’s Aine Ford was named to the dean’s honor list and James Desmond was named to the dean’s commendation list for the fall semester at Gettysburg College. …

Hannah Murphy, a sophomore at UMass, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, which bills itself as the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. …

Hopkinton’s Jonathan Bouvier was named to the winter honors list at Pomfret School, a prep school in Connecticut where he is a set to graduate this spring.

the ambassadors host clothing drives for Cradles to Crayons. This nonprofit organization provides essentials such as coats, pajamas and developmental toys to children in need.

Noroian plans to host her drive at Hopkinton Middle School.

In the fall, to commemorate the Sept.

11 national day of service, a second statewide project will be planned, although details have yet to be announced.

Noroian described her selection as “very exciting” and a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” She and her family are grateful for the opportunity, she said.

Much of her current work with her Project 351 team involves learning the details of organizing efforts such as the Cradle to Crayons drive to make sure the “spring service project will really go well.”

Her team meetings also work to inspire participants as they learn more about community service, she said.

She hopes their efforts will help encourage her peers to work to benefit their own communities. Young people can start small, she said. “The definition of community service isn’t solving huge, huge problems” all at once, she said.

Instead, she said, step by step they can build a path to a better world. “If you want to give back, go out and be the change you want to see in the world,” she said.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021

State gives Hopkinton Public Schools high marks Report card | from page 14

MCAS for the 2019-20 school year because of cancellation of state assessments and school closures related to COVID-19. The results listed below are based on 2019 information.

Here is a sampling of the results: The graduation rate for Hopkinton High School was 98.3 percent, compared to a statewide average of 88 percent.

More than 88 percent of graduates go on to attend college, compared to 72 percent in the state.

In measuring English language arts achievements in Grades 3-8, 58 percent of students met expectations, 22 percent exceeded expectations, 17 percent partially met expectations and 3 percent did not meet expectations.

On the state level, 42 percent met expectations, 10 percent exceeded expectations, 37 percent partially met expectations and 11 percent did not meet expectations.

In math achievement for Grades 3-8, 52 percent met expectations, 27 percent exceeded expectations, 19 percent partially met expectations and 2 percent did not meet expectations.

On the state level, 40 percent met expectations, 9 percent exceeded expectations, 39 percent partially met expectations and 12 percent did not meet expectations.

For English language arts in Grade 10 in Hopkinton, 61 percent met expectations, 24 percent exceeded

CALENDAR

expectations, 15 percent partially met expectations and no students failed to meet expectations.

On the state level, 48 percent met expectations, 13 percent exceeded expectations, 31 percent partially met expectations, and 8 percent did not meet expectations.

In a category often cited by school officials when discussing Hopkinton education, the spending per pupil in Hopkinton is markedly lower than the state overall average.

Hopkinton spends $14,572 per pupil, according to the DESE figures, which is more than $2,000 less than the state average of $16,588.

The information in the report can help shine a light on the overall school performance, Parson said.

“Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our schools,” she said. “Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement.”

Because the district monitors its progress closely, Parson said there are few surprises in this report card.

Areas such as student demographics, attendance data, percentage of students moving on to college, and MCAS performance, among others, “are all areas that are embedded in our daily work,” she said.

To view the entire report card, visit reportcards.doe.mass.edu.

Death of student leaves HHS community mourning

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

he Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office was investigating the death of a 16-year-old girl who was a sophomore at Hopkinton High School.

The girl was found on the morning of April 18, authorities stated.

“This is not a suspicious death investigation and there is no foul play,” a Middlesex DA spokeswoman said April 28. “The case remains open pending a ruling from the Office of the Medical Examiner.”

Hopkinton High School principal Evan Bishop emailed the HHS community to announce the student’s death, and to make students and staff aware there

1920

was grief counseling available.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the death of one of our high school students,” Bishop wrote in the April 18 email. “Out of respect for the family, we are not releasing the student’s name.”

Added Bishop: “We have convened our Crisis Response Team … to put supports in place for students and staff.

The loss of a student has a ripple effect on the school community; therefore, we will be providing counseling services.

Every effort will be made to support our community as we deal with the grief and loss resulting from this tragedy.”

Support for families and community members is available through Hopkinton Youth & Family Services.

100th

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.

Garden Club Spring Plant Sale May 8 The Hopkinton Garden Club’s annual Spring Plant Sale will be held Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m.-noon on the Town Common. Club members will be selling perennials, many dug from their own gardens, and annuals, to include a wide variety of flowers, vegetables and herbs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, safety protocols will be implemented. For more information, including updates on potential changes due to the pandemic or weather, visit hopkintongardenclub.org or HopkintonGardenClub on Facebook.

Church Plant and Bake Sale May 8 Community Covenant Church (2 West Elm St.) will host a Plant Sale and a Bake Sale on Saturday, May 8, from 8 a.m.-noon. The Plant Sale will include inexpensively priced perennials, specializing in cottage garden favorites. The Bake Sale will include Swedish baked goods.

Diabetes awareness forum May 12 The Hopkinton Lions Club is sponsoring a Zoom forum on diabetes awareness on Wednesday, May 12, from 6-8 p.m., open to the general public. Three invited speakers will cover topics related to: how diabetes affects the body, how to prevent and manage diabetes, and how lifestyle (diet, exercise) can impact the disease. For more information, visit the Hopkinton Lions Club website at hopkintonlions.org or email hopkintonlions@gmail.com.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Claflin Hill Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch Concert | May 9 Limited tickets available for this live concert at the HCA with Todd Brunel and Friends. Enjoy coffee, tea, and assorted breakfast baked goods as you enjoy the music. Tickets: $20 adult, $10 kids. Tulip bouquets available for pre-order for an additional $15. www.hopartscenter.org.

Sponsored by Scott’s Landscaping.

Art at Home Adult Sketching Workshop | Online May 15 De-stress at home with this free online drawing class with HCA instructor Marion Buricatu. FREE, but registration is required at www.hopartscenter.org.

Madeline Goes to the Circus | Online May 22–23 Grab the kids and enjoy a delightful 40-minute production of Madeline Goes to the Circus from home. Featuring the dancers of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts Dance Studio, under the direction of Jessica Wilson. Tickets: $25 per household. www.hopartscenter.org.

Dystopia: The Hungry Maze Game of Divergent Death | Outdoor Performances May 21–22 Come join the fun and watch this fun comedy parody of some of your favorite movies. Run time is 1-hour. Performance takes place outdoors at the HCA. Mask required. Bring your own chair or blanket for your comfort. Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student. www.hopartscenter. org.

Summer Fun In The Arts June 28–August 27

Theater | Dance | Visual Arts | Ceramics | Music

www.HopArtsCenter.org

Lions Club community yard sale May 22 The Hopkinton Lions Club’s community yard sale will take Saturday, May 22, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at homes across Hopkinton. Rain date is June 5. Registration is $25, and the Lions will advertise all participants’ yard sales. For more information, visit the Hopkinton Lions Club website at hopkintonlions.org or email hopkintonlions@gmail.com.

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Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 3

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Registration is open for the 33rd annal Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

This year’s event will be virtual. Participants are encouraged to “Walk Your Way” from wherever they are most comfortable — for example, in the neighborhood, on a favorite trail or on a treadmill — on Sunday, Oct. 3. Walkers must commit to raising at least $100 ($25 for those under 18). The event raises funds for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To register or support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 17

We’ve Moved

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

225 Wood Street, Hopkinton

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Rebecca Bacon for this photo of Brad Bacon and daughter Olivia strolling down Main Street following an afternoon snack at Hop-Yo. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

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

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The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria.

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

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

Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee springs into action for Earth Day and beyond Green Committee | from page 8

“People are always asking how to dispose of things,” Groves said. “They are hungry for information. This provides a great opportunity.”

Another event is a slideshow on sustainable lawn care with Laura Davis and Long Life Farm, a local organic farm.

“One of our efforts in town is looking at toxic pesticides being applied to town land,” Hoffman said. “This is an issue that has already been started in town, so Sustainable Green is helping to move it along.”

Groves said another goal is to work on a net zero implementation plan. One way of achieving this is through a municipal aggregation plan for purchasing energy.

“Almost all of the towns have this already, but we have been severely lagging,” she said. “We would be having the town go to an energy supplier and purchase energy generated by sustainable means — solar or wind. Residents and businesses would continue to have their bills generated from the same distributor as before, but the bill would give us a slightly better rate. And we would have the great satisfaction of having our energy generated through sustainable means, so as long as we do it correctly, it’s a win-win.”

Another huge mission is education, both on a community and a school level,

according to Groves.

“We’re finding that a lot of people don’t know what to put into the recycling bin,” she said. “It’s just that simple. People have wildly divergent ideas, and rarely are they correct.”

She added that the group is “sniffing out grants.” One opportunity may be for residential composting bins.

“Composting is really wonderful because it makes something wonderful out of something that you wouldn’t think is useful,” Groves said. “That’s why they call it black gold. If we can get enough people doing it, the cost is really reasonable.”

Organic land care and composting are on the horizon for the fall, Hoffman added.

Interest is growing, according to Groves, and the committee will have to be capped at 16 active members, with the emphasis being on active.

“We are also focusing on data collection and what is possible,” Hoffman said. “We’re still finding our way in some respects. We are certainly interested in hearing from people in the town on their ideas.”

The Sustainable Green Committee standardly meets the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, visit facebook.com/HopGreenMA or hopgreen.org.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Owner and Esthetician

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021

Senior Snippets 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/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

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.

Transportation Program The Senior Center has been awarded a generous grant from the Massachusetts Area Planning Council in partnership

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with MassDevelopment to provide much needed transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping needs such as prescription pickups and grocery shopping utilizing taxi companies. Residents 60 and older, veterans and individuals who are homebound due to a disability can call the Senior Center Outreach Department (508-497-9730, ext. 1615) at least three business days in advance of an appointment for assistance in scheduling a ride Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Strict safety guidelines are followed for sanitizing cabs, and mask wearing is required by both driver and passenger. This program will operate as funding permits. Rides are limited to twice a week. Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive or is awaiting test results may not use the program.

Exercise Classes via Zoom Call to register Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Mondays, 2 p.m.

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

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Barre, Wednesdays, 2 p.m.

Boot camp, Thursdays, 2 p.m.

Sign up today

Friday, May 7, 12:30 p.m.

During the course of history, America’s first ladies have been watched, admired, copied, sometimes criticized and followed for their fashion and style. This presentation will look at the clothing and accessories worn by the presidents’ wives, from the earliest first lady to the current president’s wife, Jill Biden. Call the Senior Center to register.

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Friday, May 14, 12:30 p.m.

Attorney Philip Benjamin from the Framingham law firm Benjamin & White, P.C. will discuss “Taking Control of Your Future: A Legal Checkup.” The program will focus on essential aspects of estate planning, including wills, durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, trusts, documents for end of life decision-making, issues related to one’s home and generally how to ensure wishes are carried out. The program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

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.

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will be at the Senior Center to collect unwanted or expired medications. Due to COVID restrictions, this will be offered as a drive-through program in the parking lot, under the tent. Participants may drive through or stop and have a conversation with the officer covering.

No sharps will be collected at the Senior Center, but they may be deposited in the needle box at the Police Station.

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The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 19

Sports Dream boldly

Wolf looks to finish UNH soccer career on high note Jonny Wolf’s 2020-21 season came to an early end due to an injury, but he plans to play in the fall as a graduate student and take another shot at making the NCAA tournament.

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onny Wolf’s soccer career at the University of New Hampshire has included numerous peaks and valleys, and the Hopkinton native is hoping for a strong finish after he recovers from an injury that has him sidelined.

Wolf, a marketing major, stepped awkwardly during the fourth game of the pandemic-displaced season. He watched from home as the Wildcats ran through their schedule unbeaten and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament.

“It’s definitely been one of the more challenging times in my life,” Wolf said.

“I would be playing, I am a captain this year and watching my team from the sidelines has been one of the hardest things.”

But the Worcester Academy graduate has enjoyed some great moments with UNH as well. He was part of a Wildcats team that won the America East Conference during his sophomore campaign and he had the chance to play in the NCAA tournament then.

A midfielder and back, Wolf earned a spot on the conference’s all-tournament team in 2019 and was named to the all-rookie team as a freshman in 2018.

He started all 20 games last season.

Wolf spent several weeks waiting for the swelling in his leg to go down before surgery. His plans now involve spending a lot of time in the training room — being the first one in and the last one out so he can get back strong and healthy for the 2021 fall season.

“I am looking at six to eight months, hopefully I can recover fast,” Wolf said.

“I am going to be working extremely hard, just focused on rehabbing every day and hoping to speed the process up a little bit.”

Wolf said he wants to be playing in the postseason next fall. He took a redshirt season upon entering college, so he will graduate this spring. Because of the injury, Wolf could play in 2022, but he said he is not making any definitive plans beyond his fifth year. He already has been accepted into graduate school at UNH, a place he said has been a great fit from the start.

“I think it’s a combination of the

area of Durham, New Hampshire, and how beautiful the campus is,” Wolf said. “On my visit, the relationship I was able to create with the coaches was something I really enjoyed.”

Added Wolf: “I wanted to play a high level of soccer. All of those reasons drove me there, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Wolf wants to continue to play soccer at a high level after college. Before his injury, he had planned to play with one of the New England Revolution developmental teams.

“I can hopefully come back from this injury and be better than I was before and maybe get signed somewhere,” Wolf said. “The goal would be to continue to play after college.”

Helping him along is a strong support system that includes people from his high school and his hometown.

“I always knew it was there, but now during the injury I am seeing that even more people from my high school and Hopkinton are reaching out to me, friends that I haven’t talked to recently wishing me the best and wishing a speedy recovery for me,” Wolf said.

“The support I have had has been amazing,” he said. “I am fulfilling my goals in life and everyone is happy to see me doing well.”

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Obituaries Richard Spector Richard Jacob Spector, 89, of Framingham passed away on April 7 after a long illness. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Celia Spector and the late Frank Spector.

He was the beloved brother of the late George Spector and his wife, Sally, as well as his late sister, Ruthie Meltzer and her husband, Harry.

Before embarking on his career, Richard served in the U.S. Army in France as an accountant and interpreter at the end of the Korean Conflict.

Richard spent his career in sales, merchandising and product development — first, in the wholesale liquor business, then with S&H Green Stamps, next as a wholesale food broker in the meat and deli industry, and ultimately adding in the snack food sector. As a prominent entrepreneur and business owner, Richard founded and managed Summit Food Sales for many years.

In retirement, Richard enjoyed weekly outings with his Romeo Lunch Club. Throughout his life, Richard was an avid food aficionado who was best known for his generous hospitality and gregarious personality. Most of all, Richard enjoyed spending special times with family, with his beloved wife, Janice, by his side.

Richard is survived by his wife, Janice, and his blended family, including his children, Marjorie Anderson and her husband, Stephen, of Framingham, Steven Spector and his wife, Donna, of Hopkinton, Sara Spector-Brown and her husband, Peter Brown Jr., of Uxbridge, Michelle Forna of Millis, Noel Bahri of Hopkinton, and Ed Sobkowiak and his wife, Ilona, of Northbridge. Loving grandchildren include Samantha Anderson and her husband, John Farnsworth, of Brattleboro, Vermont, Ian Anderson and his wife, Samantha, of Abington, Olivia Spector of Somerville, Michael Spector of Los Angeles, Joe Sobkowiak and Katie Sobkowiak of Uxbridge, Kian, Lili and JJ Bahri of Hopkinton, Travis Brown and his fiancee, Valerie Cedeno, of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Tayla Brown of Northbridge. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins in New England and across the country.

Due to COVID-19 protocol, a private ceremony in Metrowest will take place in the near future.

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Rose Marie Gallagher, 87, of Holliston passed away on April 24. Born and raised in Watertown, she was the daughter of the late Palmina (Fantasia) and Emilio Parrella. She was the wife of the late Norman Joseph Gallagher.

Rose Marie and Norman were married in 1955. They moved to Holliston in 1961.

She graduated in 1975 from nursing school and worked as an RN at Framingham Union Hospital for 20 years. Norman and Rose Marie lived on the Cape for 14 years, where she worked at Cape Cod VNA for 10 years and volunteered at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, before relocating back to Holliston. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and time spent on Cape Cod

HopkintonIndependent.com

and in New Hampshire.

Rose Marie is survived by her children, Steven J. Gallagher and wife Susan of Bellingham, Norman M. Gallagher and wife Janice of Holliston, Kathleen Naughton and husband E.J. Bleiler of Holliston, Pamela G. Mann and husband Doug of Hopkinton, Margaret R. McClure and husband Kevin of Upton, and Joseph N. Gallagher and wife Jenna of Wrentham. She also leaves behind her siblings, Jeannette Boardo of Holliston, John Parrella and wife Nancy, Robert Parrella and wife Diane, Richard Parrella and wife Reva, and Michael Parrella, all of Medway; brothers-in-law Robert Gallagher and wife Virginia of Burlington, Hugh Gallagher of Medford, Richie Gallagher and wife Irene of Waltham, and Jack Gallagher of North Carolina; 14 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. She is predeceased by a son, Paul Gallagher, as well as her sister and brothers-in-law, Annemarie, David and Kevin Gallagher.

The family wishes to thank MetroWest Homecare and Seasons Hospice for their dedication and care to Rose Marie.

A graveside service was held April 29 at Lake Grove Cemetery, Holliston. Services were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ellie Fund for Breast Cancer, 475 Hillside Ave., Needham, MA 02494 or info@elliefund.org.

Stephen Casler Professor emeritus Stephen D Casler, formerly of Hopkinton, passed away April 22 at Hope Hospice, Bonita Springs, Florida. He was born in Boston, Aug. 27, 1951, to Barbara Casler Coyne and Howard F. Casler. He was predeceased by his father, Howard F. Casler of Boston, his sister, Pamela Casler Curley of Holliston, and his stepfather, Paul H. Coyne of Bonita Springs.

Steve is survived by his mother, Barbara Casler Coyne of Bonita Springs, two nieces, Nicole Leventry of Carver and Megan Curley of Boston; his aunt, Beverly DeWolfe of Rehoboth, and his uncle, Edward Hill of South Dennis; his cousins, Jeff Hill, Karen Hill Seto, Sandi DeWolfe Klinkhamer and Scott Dewolfe; two great nephews, Ryan and Christopher Leventry, and a great niece, Madison Leventry.

Steve graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1969, served four years in the Navy, received a B.A. in economics from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1977, received an M.S. in economics at the University of Illinois-Urbana in 1980, and earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Illinois-Urbana in 1983. He spent 33 years teaching in the Economics Department at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and he served as department chair from 2003-11.

Steve was recognized as an excellent teacher.

He received the college-wide Julian Ross award in 2002 and was recognized in the 2014 Greek Awards as Professor of the Year. He also was a productive researcher, with 26 published articles and a number of research reports for groups such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. In 2013, he received the Sir Richard Stone Award from the International Input-Output Association for the best paper appearing in the journal Economics Systems Research in the previous two years. He also wrote two textbooks, “Introduction to Economics” and “Macroeconomics: Model Building, Applications and Policy.”

A memorial service and internment will be held at a later date at Lake Grove Cemetery, Holliston. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home.

The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 21

Library Corner 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.

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Announcements

On April 26 the library moved to a new way to book curbside pickups. The reservation system is integrated into patrons’ online catalog accounts and will allow users to book an appointment directly from the “Manage Your Account” library card portal at bark.cwmars.org/eg/opac/ myopac/main?loc=55. Individuals will need the account access information for the library card on which the holds are placed. Anyone in need of their library card number should contact the library. The pickup location remains at the Church Street entrance.

Adult Take & Make Pickups

Wednesday, May 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (pickups) The May Adult Take & Make project is hand-bound pamphlets. These little booklets are the first steps into bookbinding.

Register for the event at forms. gle/8ANwGZ1zb9Ghaosm6. An instructional video will be posted to the library’s social media pages on the first day of kit pickup. Registration is required, and space is limited. The library is grateful to the Friends of the Library for supporting this program.

Teen Take & Make: Bookbinding

Wednesday, May 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (pickups) For Grades 6-12 only, the Teen Take & Make project is hand-bound pamphlets. These little booklets are perfect for notes, portable sketchpads and more! Registration is required via the library’s website calendar. Space is limited.

Returning to the Moon: NASA’s Artemis Program

Friday, May 7, 5 p.m. (Zoom) National Space Day is the first Friday in May. To celebrate, join Patricia Moore from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Division for a presentation and live discussion on the Artemis Program, whose goal is to land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024. Register in advance on the website calendar to receive the Zoom link. For more information on the Artemis Program, visit nasa.gov/specials/artemis.

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Tuesday, May 11, 7-9 p.m. (Zoom) 9 SEATING TIMES AVAILABLE: In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the library will host a screening of the moving film “Far 12:00 noon 2:30 pm 5:00 pm East Deep South” (fareastdeepsouth.com), about a family that 12:30 pm 3:00 pm 5:30 pm learns about the racially complex history of Chinese immigrants 1:00 pm 3:30 pm 6:00 pm in the segregated South during the Chinese Exclusion era. A postfilm discussion with the writer/director and producer, Larissa Lam Route 16, Mendon • 508-473-5079 and Baldwin Chiu, will follow. The film will be available to screen www.nesteakandseafood.com from 1-7 p.m., and the discussion will be held from 7-9 p.m. Sign up on the library’s website calendar by May 10 at 5 p.m. to receive the link to the film and participate in the post-film discussion. The library is grateful for the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation’s sponsorship of this event.

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Police Log ARRESTS April 23

5:29 p.m. On Main Street, Officer Ryan Polselli arrested a 36-year-old Woodview Way resident and charged him with operation of a motor vehicle with license suspended, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and texting while operating a motor vehicle.

April 25

1:51 a.m. Officer Cody Normandin conducted a motor vehicle stop on Mayhew Street and subsequently arrested a 25-year-old Stoughton resident and charged him with OUI liquor, speeding in violation of special regulation, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

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.

April 13

10:27 a.m. A caller reported people “casing” vehicles on Wood Street. Chief Joseph Bennett, Sergeants Aaron O’Neil and John Porter and Officers Jay Deiana and Brian Sanchioni responded and spoke with the individuals, who were looking for hours of operation at a business. All was OK. 2:05 p.m. A caller reported a phone

call scam involving grandparents. No information was given to the scammers.

Officer Moira McGaffigan spoke to the caller and the incident was logged.

2:58 p.m. The Snappy Dogs owner reported youths were possibly messing with her food cart. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and found one teenager in the area but no issues.

5:08 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported the violation of a notrespass order. Officers Brendon Lyver and Tyler Brabham responded and took a report.

April 14

2:25 p.m. A concerned caller reported a cat that was always outside on Hayden Rowe Street. The animal control officer was notified.

10:54 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported a suspicious male was looking at her house and car. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and the man was gone upon his arrival.

11:34 a.m. A Daniel Shays Road resident reported a fox in the area. The animal control officer was notified.

11:46 a.m. A caller reported a gas can and propane tank fell out of a truck and were lying on the side of the roadway on Wilson Street. The DPW was notified.

5:24 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle with a smashed windshield pulled to the side of the road on Cedar Street.

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April 15

6:12 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller requested an officer go to his shop to review paperwork that was served to him by a lawyer. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and advised him on information regarding a no-trespass order.

8:22 a.m. A Lumber Street resident reported someone rang his doorbell several times in the middle of the night and he had some video footage. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and took a report.

9:18 a.m. A caller reported a yellow Lab running around Loop Road. School Resource Officer Philip Powers and the animal control officer responded and checked the area with a negative find.

2:18 p.m. A caller with a complaint reported that after she made an illegal left turn, she was unhappy with an officer’s actions. Sergeant Timothy Brennan spoke with her and assisted.

4:18 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil assisted a Davis Road caller who was stuck in her apartment.

11:31 p.m. A caller reported vehicles parked on Hayden Rowe Street, near the Echo Lake walking trails.

Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Robert Ekross responded and found youths with marijuana and subsequently contacted parents to pick up the parties.

April 16

9:39 a.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Marshall Avenue.

No personal injuries were reported. A report was to follow.

10:33 a.m. A caller reported a tree blocking the roadway of Fruit Street.

Officer Moira McGaffigan and the DPW responded and removed the tree.

Verizon and Eversource were notified.

12:14 p.m. A caller reported a truck

hit a stone wall on Frankland Road. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and took a report.

4:56 p.m. A caller reported a tree limb across the roadway of Frankland Road. Officer Ryan Polselli and the DPW responded and cleaned it up.

5:14 p.m. A caller complained that a fence on Marshall Avenue fell forward, though it wasn’t a hazard and a construction crew member was on scene.

April 17

12:50 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported suspicious kids who took off running down Grove Street after the caller’s dog barked at them. The caller stated their car was by the water tank.

Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Philip Powers responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:20 a.m. A motorist reported hitting a deer on Cedar Street. Officer Philip Powers responded and left a message for the animal control officer.

9:08 a.m. A caller reported coming across some bones on the trails on Fruit Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and stated he believed them to be animal bones.

9:36 a.m. A walk-in reported stolen property and stated that someone at the Post Office was stealing gift cards. Officer Jessica Ferreira took a report.

3:01 p.m. A South Mill Street resident reported her front door had been damaged. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Jessica Ferreira and Ryan Polselli responded and took a report.

4:21 p.m. A Freedom Way caller reported a male party was harassing her. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with the caller.

April 18

12:02 a.m. A caller reported a disturbance on Parkwood Drive, where a large gathering of cars was taking place

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The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021 • 23 in a parking lot. Sergeants William Burchard and Aaron O’Neil and Officer Ryan Polselli responded and reported 40-50 cars were in the parking lot. They all subsequently left.

1:49 a.m. A caller reported hearing what sounded like glass breaking and two people outside. Sergeants William Burchard and Aaron O’Neil responded and found a female smashing plates. A report was to follow.

April 19

5:59 a.m. A passerby reported wood chips smoking on Teresa Road. Officer Robert Ekross responded along with the Fire Department and found the situation under control.

7:42 a.m. A Wilson Street caller reported violation of the noise ordinance on a holiday and wanted construction stopped. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and informed a construction crew of the town bylaw and shut it down.

4:15 p.m. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department to a fire alarm activation on Cole Drive. A faulty detector in a bedroom was the culprit.

6:45 p.m. The Westborough Police Department requested a Valleywood Road resident contact the department regarding a previous accident in Westborough. Sergeant William Burchard responded and attempted to make contact with the person, but no one answered the door. He took photographs of the car in the driveway and shared them with the requesting officer.

8:09 p.m. A Lumber Street caller reported he believed his iPhone was hacked in relation to a previous incident.

Officer Preston Mucciarone spoke with the caller and took a report.

April 20

1:04 p.m. A caller reported an unleashed dog came up to her and her dog on Wood Street, and when she asked the owner not to come near her, he threatened her dog and walked away. Officers Philip Powers and Jay Deiana responded and were unable to locate the male. A report was to follow.

6:59 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan were deployed to assist in locating a child. The child was located upon their arrival.

8:37 p.m. A Hidden Brick Road resident reported a suspicious vehicle parked by his house. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and checked on the vehicle.

10:09 p.m. A walk-in requested assistance on acquiring a harassment prevention order. Officer Tyler Brabham assisted.

Officers Brendon Lyver and Matthew Santoro responded and the dog was gone upon their arrival.

12:36 p.m. A caller reported a low-hanging wire on Lumber Street. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and reported it was a cable wire and moved it out of the roadway. Verizon was notified.

1:51 p.m. A caller concerned about children’s safety reported a tree fell on the sidewalk on Valentine Road. Officer Philip Powers responded and notified the DPW. 5:20 p.m. A caller reported a stop sign on Pond Street was knocked over. The DPW was notified.

8:39 p.m. A motorist reported huge potholes on South Street and a blown-out tire. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and contacted the DPW.

April 23

7:30 a.m. A Revolutionary Way caller reported his son went out with two friends and never returned home. School Resource Officer Philip Powers responded. The individual was located.

10:52 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro and Officer Philip Powers responded to Downey Street after a report of two males wearing life jackets flipped over in a boat in the lake.

12:07 p.m. A Rocky Woods Road caller reported a sick fox in her backyard. The animal control officer responded and removed the fox.

3:11 p.m. A caller reported a dog in a hot car with the windows closed for 30-45 minutes. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and checked on the dog and all was OK.

April 24

7:37 a.m. The Southborough Police Department reported a deceased deer on Cedar Street. The animal control officer was notified.

5:29 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli attempted to stop a driver in a stolen vehicle on Oliver Lane. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed onto West Main Street. The pursuit was called off on School Street at the Upton town line. The last known location of the vehicle was Taft Street in Upton.

7:31 p.m. A caller complained of a white sedan driving at a high rate of speed and screeching its tires on Hayden Rowe Street. Officers Robert Ekross and Ryan Polselli responded and the vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

April 22

9:22 a.m. A caller reported a dog on Ash Street causing a traffic hazard.

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April 25

12:17 a.m. A Freedom Way caller reported an erratic damaged older dark sedan in the neighborhood. A second caller reported hearing an accident in the area. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

11:35 a.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded along with the Fire Department to Walnut Way for an alarm activation.

Faulty detectors were found to be the cause.

11:44 a.m. A walk-in reported she hit a turkey on Main Street, in front of the station. Fire Department personnel assisted her.

7:45 p.m. A caller reported a black Lexus sedan speeding on Hunters Ridge Way and nearly hitting four small children at the end of the caller’s driveway. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

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April 21

9:48 a.m. An Eastview Road resident reported a missing dog. The animal control officer was contacted.

11:32 a.m. A Wood Street caller reported a missing dog. The animal control officer was notified.

12:24 p.m. A Legacy Farms North caller reported harassment. Officer Moira McGaffigan spoke with the caller and took a report.

2:28 p.m. A caller reported outside smoke and a controlled fire in a Hillcrest Road backyard. The Fire Department responded and advised a person of burning regulations.

6:24 p.m. Multiple callers reported a water main break on Davis Road.

Sergeant Matthew McNeil contacted the Water Department.

Puppy Training Dog Walking

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POWERED BY PROPANE Fireplaces & Fire Pits • Grilling • Generators Pool & Spa Heating • Outdoor Kitchens Patio Heating & Lighting

Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 – 9 Friday & Saturday 11:30 – 10 Sunday 12 – 9

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medwayoilpropane.com HopkintonIndependent.com

508-435-8088 77 West Main Street, Hopkinton DynastyChineseMA.com

24 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 5, 2021

LIQUOR

WINE

GOURMET

CRAFT BEER

HOT SAUCES AND BBQ

SMOKE SHOP

Whisk(e)y Wednesday

TASTING Wed. May 12 @7pm

A NEW STANDARD FOR AMERICAN WHISKY VIRGINIA DISTILLERY New Courage & Conviction Lineup

Join Amanda Beckwith as she leads us though the New Courage & Conviction lineup! Plus, re-taste the whisky that started it all — the Virginia Highland port finished!

KIT INCLUDES:

1 - 50ml Courage & Conviction Original 1 - 50ml Courage & Conviction Bourbon Cask 1 - 50ml Courage & Conviction Sherry Cask 1 - 50ml Courage & Conviction Cuvée Cask 1 - 750ml Virginia Highland Port Finish

All at the great price of

$49.99 ($75 retail value)

FREE DELIVERY on all orders OVER $300 More information on your Julio's app or on our website

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!

Above All… We always make safety a top priority.

It is with great pride that we announce that Milford Regional has just been awarded the country’s top grade for hospital safety for an unprecedented six times in a row! Our commitment to quality care is stronger than ever with our team of exceptional nurses, physicians and hospital staff all dedicated to delivering the very best healthcare every day.

We are honored to once again be recognized as a national healthcare leader with Leapfrog’s Grade “A” for safety.

14 Prospect Street • Milford, MA • milfordregional.org For details, visit The Leapfrog Group at www.hospitalsafetygrade.org

HopkintonIndependent.com