Hopkinton Independent 11/24/21

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 24 | November 24, 2021

Solution to water issue could be costly

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

H

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE

DIWALI DANCE

Representatives of the Legacy Farms North Phase 3 neighborhood complete a performance as part of the community’s Diwali celebration on Nov. 6 at Ashland High School.

The HHS volleyball team poses with the Division 2 state championship banner and trophy after Saturday’s victory over Westborough.

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f Hf

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

estborough middle hitter Christine Li rose with a purpose. The talented senior brought her arm back, swung through and unleashed a powerful strike on the volleyball, driving it with force over the net.

And Hopkinton’s Mikayla Grady blocked it, sending it to the ground to win the Division 2 state championship.

That was the story of Saturday’s match — a clash of titans, as the public address announcer at Tewksbury High School introduced it, with both teams coming in undefeated. Top-seeded Westborough brought the power, but thirdseeded Hopkinton found the answer.

Volleyball | 17

FOEMMEL

PFAs | 8

INSIDE

HHS volleyball captures state title

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

opkinton is working on short-term and long-term solutions to address the issue with the town’s water supply following tests that showed higherthan-allowed levels of contaminants, Department of Public Works Director John Westerling told the Select Board at its Nov. 16 meeting.

Westerling explained that on Nov. 9 the town received notice of noncompliance from the state, as three months of tests showed Hopkinton’s water tested at over 20 parts per trillion for PFAs. “We are one of 60 communities in the state that are dealing with PFAs above the maximum contaminant level,” he noted.

The town is required to communicate the issue to residents, which the town will do via social media and an insert in the Hopkinton Independent.

Temporary solutions being discussed include offering a credit to certain higher-risk customers, setting up a water distribution kiosk, and installing

BUSINESS

Eversource becomes town’s top taxpayer

6

NEWS

Planning Board approves Turkey Ridge subdivision

7

SPORTS

HHS gridders prepare for T-Day battle at Ashland

12

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HOPKINTON MARKET HAS INCREASED 25% IN 2021

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

Hopkinton Independent

Lots of good things in storage for HHS duo

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

STAFF

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

contact us

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

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

T h ankf ul Wi s hin g eve r yon e i n o ur c omm un ity a h appy an d h e a lthy T han ksgivin g!

Hopkinton High School students Jack Green (center) and Declan Mick (right) pose with friends at this past summer’s camp at the Ron Burton Training Village.

H

opkinton High School juniors Jack Green and Declan Mick have attended the Ron Burton Training Village for a few summers, and before they head back to the Hubbardston camINDEPENDENT pus for their final sesTHOUGHTS sion next year, they hope to give back to JERRY SPAR the program that has helped them become better people.

The Ron Burton Training Village (RBTV), named for former New England Patriots player Ron Burton Sr., hosts a five-week camp every summer for ages 12-18. The program is designed to “equip young people with the skills, resources and attitude to make winning decisions in life,” according to the organization’s website. “Our programs are designed to build the core values of love, peace, patience and humility.”

Green, whose mother is a longtime volunteer at RBTV, has attended the camp for five years, one fewer than Mick.

“It just taught me how to become a better leader and really just giving me the opportunity to meet people and learn from really successful people,” Green said, noting that he got a chance to meet the chairman of Bose, Bob Maresca, at RBTV and continues to communicate

with him and seek out advice. “Just those opportunities to meet people who are very successful and learn from them has been the greatest thing I’ve taken away.”

The summer program is five weeks (two weeks this year due to COVID), and available campers get together during the rest of the year for monthly group dinners called “legacy of love” meetings.

As part of their legacy, Green and Mick are looking to raise funds so that others can enjoy positive experiences similar to what they’ve enjoyed.

When Green’s father, Eric, bought a storage facility — Value Store It in Worcester — last year, an idea was hatched.

“We were thinking about things we could do to give back, and [Eric] heard about this organization called Charity Storage,” Green said. “He brought it to me and we talked about it and thought it was the perfect way to give back.”

Charity Storage is a non-profit organization that uses self-storage facilities to raise funds for charities nationwide.

Donated items — furniture, toys, tools, sports equipment, electronics, luggage, appliances, etc. — are placed into vacant self-storage units and the contents are auctioned off online via StorageTreasures.com, with the proceeds going to charity.

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

the teenagers will be at EMC Park with a rental truck collecting donated items.

“We thought it would be good around this time of year because people are trying to clean out their house before the winter,” Green said. “If they have anything they are looking to get rid of, it might as well go to the charity where we can do some good with it.”

Green and Mick will take the items to the storage facility and load up a vacant unit. Photos of the contents will be posted online to attract bids.

The duo is pushing out the information on social media and at the high school in hopes they’ll get a good turnout Saturday.

“The more that we get into this unit, the more people will bid on it, the more it will be worth,” Green said.

Individuals who can’t attend Saturday can drive their items to Value Store It (3 Clinton Street, Worcester; valuestoreit.com) any time during the month of November, or reach out to the organizers at jgreen3939@icloud.com or Declan.mick31@gmail.com.

ONEmetrowest donations sought

Hopkinton High School junior Ruben Noroian is a member of the Youth in Philanthropy Junior Board, which helps support the Foundation for MetroWest, a non-profit organization that provides services to needy families in the MetroWest area.

As part of his responsibilities, Nororian is seeking to raise funds for the ONEmetrowest Fund, which is the Foundation for MetroWest’s primary fundraising campaign.

“The ONEmetrowest Campaign helps fuel everything the Foundation does for our MetroWest community — grant-making in areas like hunger relief and family support, educational programs, convenings, pandemic emergency relief, research and so much more,” Noroian writes on his fundraising page.

In addition to raising money, Noroian is tasked with helping to market the organization’s events and recruit new members to Youth in Philanthropy, which teaches students about philanthropy and serving their community.

For more information, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/rubennoroian?newPage=True or foundationmw.org/onemetrowest-campaign.

THANK YOU! We would like to thank all of our clients, past, present, and future, for trusting us with their real estate needs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Stroll Dec. 4

The annual Holiday Stroll, sponsored by the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, is back with some new features this year. The business-themed event, which runs from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, will include a free horse-drawn carriage ride around the Town Common along with ice sculpture demonstrations.

Local businesses will offer sales, specials, contests, treats and promotions so residents can get a jump on their holiday gift ideas. For more information, visit hopchamber.com.

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Tribute to Joe Pyne LETTERS TO W THE EDITOR

508-509-6169

hen Joe Pyne passed away Nov. 2, Hopkinton lost a homegrown character, a good guy.

Joe and I were friends for over 70 years. Joe was a couple of years older than me, so we didn’t meet at school. In 1949, my father was the engineer at the water pumping station on Fruit Street, and Joe’s father owned the land across Fruit Street that later would become the Pyne Sand & Stone screening operation. Our fathers were friends and did favors back and forth for each other.

On Saturdays, Joe and I would go to work with my father in the morning and spend the day exploring the woods on his father’s land and have a hot dog cookout for lunch. The Pynes had a TV and we did not, so after work my father would leave us off at the Pynes and we would watch cowboy shows, and I would eat supper there. We did this quite often for a couple of years.

In high school, we played football together and both were in Key Club.

After high school, I did my hitch in the Navy, and Longtime Hopkinton resident after I got out, Joe did his hitching in the Army, so we Joe Pyne died Nov. 2. had no contact for six or seven years.

I became a career firefighter, and Joe drove a truck long haul. We both had something in common, we both had a lot of friends and kept track of them. Several times a year, we would call each other looking for this friend or that one. It was said, if Joe or I didn’t know where someone was, probably no one would. One of Joe’s traits is that when he was on the road, he would pop in on this friend or that one anywhere in the country.

In the last 15 or so years, both of us being in the American Legion, we saw each other most Memorial Days. Since they have been having the Veterans Breakfast once a month, we saw each other quite often. Now, when groups meet often, we all usually sit at the same table all the time — human nature. Joe and I never sat at the same table until a recent breakfast. Joe came over and sat beside me at the table where I usually sit. We talked mostly about the days at the pumping station when we were kids.

Goodbye, my friend, you will be missed.

Ann Clark

508-439-2728

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One of the top RE/MAX agents in Massachusetts

— William T. Hamilton Jr., 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.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

Children flock to get COVID vaccines H

opkinton Health Director Shaun McAuliffe, speaking to the Select Board Nov. 16, said local children have been turning out in big numbers for their COVID-19 vaccines.

McAuliffe told the board that his departNEWS BRIEFS ment had vaccinated 49 children just before he joined the meeting.

“You take the 49 and you add it to the state’s report of 129 that were vaccinated before our clinic and the 888 we did [Nov. 11],” he said. “We expect from these activities and then the residents that have taken their children to their pediatrician, we’re expecting by next Thursday that we’ll be easily north of 63 percent of the 5-11-year-old cohort. I think the number’s actually going to be toward 70 percent.”

McAuliffe said Hopkinton and some neighboring towns plan to organize a regional clinic in Ashland to catch those who missed the individual town clinics.

“After that clinic we should regionally have all of our 5-11-year-olds in that 90-plus [percent] category,” he said.

“Then we’ll all be in a much better place going into the Christmas holiday and the new year.”

McAuliffe said four cases recently arose in town, and his department identified “a sizable cluster in a classroom, and most of that was related to an event outside of school.”

“So it’s important to remain vigilant,” he said.

Select Board salutes Pyne During the public forum portion of the Nov. 9 Select Board meeting, Brendan Tedstone paid tribute to longtime resident Joe Pyne, who passed away Nov. 2 at the age of 81.

The son of a one-time Hopkinton fire chief, Pyne went to Brown University before joining the U.S. Army and eventually embarking on a half-century career as a long-haul truck driver.

“He was about the most brilliant truck driver you ever met in your life,” said Tedstone, who added that Pyne was a cousin of his.

Pyne volunteered at the Hopkinton Senior Center and was well known around town.

“He’s just what Hopkinton used to be, and hopefully what it will be moving forward,” Tedstone said.

Added Mary Jo LaFreniere: “One thing about Joe, if he saw you, he never failed to acknowledge you.”

Town appointments confirmed Town Manager Norman Khumalo confirmed Nov. 16 that the Select Board is allowed to appoint a temporary town

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moderator, after Tom Garabedian submitted his resignation earlier this month. The board also can appoint individuals to replace resigned members of the Cemetery Commission and Board of Library Trustees. …

The board accepted the resignation of Chelsea Rockhold from the Youth Commission and confirmed the appointment of firefighter John Sheridan as a traffic constable. The board also approved a Marathon Fund request of $2,000 by the Senior Center to help fund exercise classes for seniors. …

The Select Board voted Nov. 9 to confirm the following appointments: Nisha Nanaware-Kharade to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, James Burton to the Board of Appeals, Sandra Story to the Cultural Council, Patrick Fagan to the Hopkinton Historic District Commission, Nasiba Mannan to the Veterans Celebration Committee, and Linda Chuss to the Sustainable Green Committee.

Additionally, Ed Harrow was approved as fence viewer.

The board also accepted the resignations of Dawn Ronan and Andrea Krammes from the Youth Commission.

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The town’s winter parking ban went into effect Nov. 15. As per the town’s bylaw, no vehicles can be parked on any street between 1-6 a.m. from Nov. 15-April 1. Violators are subject to fines, including the cost of removing and storing the vehicle.

Additionally, it is illegal for individuals to push or pile snow onto a public roadway or sidewalk. Violations are subject to fines of up to $25 per offense.

Misc.: Main Street work extended Khumalo said Nov. 16 that contractor A.F. Amorello was given an extension to continue work on the Main Street Corridor Project late into the fall season. “The contractor, as I said last week, is now focusing on winding down construction ahead of the winter,” Khumalo said. “They have received some relief from the director of public works allowing the construction to continue beyond November 15th. And all of this will be weather dependent.” …

The board voted unanimously to approve its policy on distributing Boston Marathon charity bibs, which it does every year. Khumalo indicated that local organizations raised close to $300,000 through the program. …

At its Nov. 9 meeting, the Select Board continued its discussion about setting goals, reviewing priorities brought up at previous meetings. …

The board approved an advance of funds in lieu of borrowing in the amount of $900,000 in connection with the Hayden Rowe water main replacement. This item was approved in Article 20 of the May 2016 Annual Town Meeting. …

The board adopted exemptions at 200 percent of the calendar year 2020 circuit breaker income tax credit for Fiscal Year 2022. This relates to the means tested senior citizen property tax exemption.

The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 5

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

Eversource passes Dell EMC as top taxpayer in town

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

D

uring the town’s tax classification hearing Nov. 16, the Select Board voted to make no changes to the methods the town uses to assign tax rates, and the board was informed that there is a new No. 1 taxpayer in town.

Eversource, which owns the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant on Wilson Street, vaulted past Dell EMC this year, after being assessed at $191.8 million in real estate and personal property value.

“New growth has been computed to deliver — and this was a big news item for us — $3.4 million in new tax revenue in the new year,” explained Tim O’Leary, the town’s chief financial officer. “That’s much higher than we had budgeted and planned for. And it’s entirely driven by Eversource at Wilson Street and the renewal [of the LNG plant].

“If you recall the budget hearings

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Eversource has moved past Dell EMC to become the top taxpayer in town. Below is a list of the top 10 taxpayers, as presented during the Nov. 16 tax classification hearing.

RANK, TAXPAYER, COMBINED REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY ASSESSED VALUE 1. Hopkinton LNG Corporation (Eversource), $191.8 million 2. Dell EMC Corporation, $149.7 million 3. NSTAR Electric Company, $75 million 4. IMP Hopkinton LLC, $69 million 5. Brait MF Woodview Way LLC, $62.8 million 6. NSTAR Gas Company, $27.8 million 7. Golden Pond Resident Care, $23.9 million 8. Paul Mastroianni, $21.9 million 9. John G. Fitzgerald, Trustee, $16.6 million 10. Verizon New England, $14.6 million

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last year, I came in and said I wanted to spent $70,000 on a court-ready appraisal for the renovation work that was going on at Eversource on Wilson Street, and the board approved it and Town Meeting approved it. We hired that appraiser, and that appraiser squared it under the line with an interim report which allowed us to identify $87 million in new growth value in business personal property at the Eversource facility — 44 percent of all our new growth.”

While this would seem to be a positive development for Hopkinton, O’Leary cautioned that getting Eversource to cut a check continues to be a major challenge.

“Their tax bill is going from about $3 million to about $5 million,” O’Leary said. “So, the good news is that we spent a significant amount of money … to get this assessment and we got information which is allowing us to deliver tax bills that are fair to everyone and that capture the value that was raised at Eversource.

“The bad news is Eversource is our most appeal-prone taxpayer — 93 percent of all the pending litigation we have at the appellate tax board is with Eversource. So it’s not like having the money in hand. So we’re closely evaluating how to adjust the overlay account, because appeals seem very likely. They have been appealing things that are very straightforward. They have been appealing settled matters — that have been settled by court — and exercising their right to re-litigate those matters.”

O’Leary said the plan is to increase the overlay contribution from $500,000 to $1.5 million this year, because of the $2 million jump in Eversource’s tax bill.

“We do not want to be in a position where we book that money as if we’re going to get every penny immediately, spend it, and then have to go to the taxpayers if Eversource wins an appeal of their tax rate,” he said. “So the good news is a lot more tax revenue. The bad news is we’re going to have bank some of it to make sure we can sustain these appeals.”

O’Leary also noted that the Eversource project is in “midstream,” meaning there could be another big valuation jump next year and “probably yet more litigation” to go along with it.

He also said having Eversource as the top taxpayer can be a positive for the town’s bond rating.

“Bond ratings agencies really look at the mobility of your top taxpayers and what their ability is to leave.” O’Leary explained. “And for better or worse, Eversource has a substantial footprint in our town, and it would be difficult for them to pick it up and take it somewhere else.

So while we are now facing Eversource as our No. 1 taxpayer, they are also facing us. The bond agencies will like that news, that we have a utility as our large taxpayer that is pretty locked in.”

Other data shared by O’Leary showed that the town’s total valuation is $4.85 billion (83 percent residential, 17 percent business), up 7.7 percent from last year.

The average single-family home value is $681,800, up 3.9 percent from last year. O’Leary said it’s partly from appreciation but also because new construction tends to be more expensive than the average.

“It’s like adding tall kids to a basketball team and then measuring the average height,” he said. “So the average has gone up from value and because we’re adding on the high end of the spectrum here.”

The proposed tax rate for Fiscal Year 2022 is expected to be $17.03, down from $17.08.

The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 7

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This issue’s winner is Brittany Tognacci for this photo of members of Hopkinton Moms Group at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Wicked 5K road race on Oct. 31. 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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Planning Board approves Turkey Ridge subdivision plan

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

he Planning Board approved the definitive subdivision plan for Turkey Ridge Estates during its meeting Nov. 15 after the developer shared some changes and the board added some conditions.

The proposed eight-lot definitive subdivision, originally known as Deer Ridge Estates, is to be located off Cedar Street Extension and Lincoln Street.

“We’ve got some revised findings; I think we’ve got some thoughtful conditions that help ensure this is going to be a good development,” Planning Board Chair Gary Trendel said before the vote, which was unanimous.

Changes presented by the developer included adjustments to the emergency road and stormwater management plan as well as a sign warning drivers of the new road that is to be constructed on the northern side of Cedar Street Extension. The project also includes an extension of Lincoln Street, which is on the border with Southborough.

“Quite a bit of the revision was tied up with the access drive,” explained site planner Joe Marquedant on behalf of the applicant.

There was some concern about a homeowners association (HOA) agreement to maintain the emergency access road — which will connect Lincoln Street to the new road but be inaccessible to non-emergency vehicles — and what the town would do if the HOA failed to live up to the agreement.

Applicant Courtney Derderian said she was advised by her attorney that the town would be able to take legal action against the HOA if that were to be the case.

Principal Planner John Gelcich suggested putting in writing that the HOA was responsible for maintaining the road in perpetuity.

The board approved multiple waivers, including one to allow the new road to be a few feet short of the required 125 feet from another roadway (in this case, Wedgewood Drive). Marquedant explained that the adjustment allows for a smoother transition for the sidewalk, which he said also makes it safer for drivers.

That waiver approval carried 5-2.

Another waiver was for steeper slopes around the retention basins, as the applicants explained that there is limited room between the lot backyards and land reserved for open space. That waiver approval also carried 5-2.

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

Towns looks at options to address PFAs in water

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

E

ach week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week we feature 1-year-old Ambrio.

Here is Baypath’s description of Ambrio: “Life is a balancing act, and Ambrio knows all about that! Ambrio doesn’t let having three legs slow him down a bit. He took it all in stride and is ready to hop into his new home! Ambrio loves to spend time with people!

He gets along well with other dogs. He loves his squeaky toys! He is looking for an adult-only home. He loves his crate, and sleeps soundly through the night. He enjoys going for walks and meeting new people. He would do best in a home with dog experience. Staff would love to talk more about him with you!”

For more information on Ambrio and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane.org or visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.

For more Adoptable Animals of the Week, check the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

PFAs | from page 1

a temporary filtration system at Well 6, which is the source of the problem.

“All of these have pros and cons associated with them,” Westerling said.

“All of these have costs associated with them. So we are evaluating those options, and we will present the best option to the community.”

Added Westerling: “Our long-term corrective actions include either constructing a permanent filtration system or an indirect interconnection to the MWRA [Massachusetts Water Resources Authority] water supply through the town of Southborough.”

There are eight wells in Hopkinton, and Well 6 is the town’s highest-producing source, Westerling explained, noting that the town could not meet its water needs without that well.

Westerling said individuals who are pregnant or nursing, have an infant below the age of 1, or have been diagnosed with a compromised immune system should

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Visit the participating business locations and have your Holiday Stroll Passport stamped. Enter your stamped passport in a random drawing for the chance to win one of multiple $300 cash prizes!!

Where can you can pick up the Itinerary Book New this year, there will be a free horsewith Passports? drawn carriage ride around the Town More info and How to: • At the participating businesses below Common (1:00pm-3:30pm) And then check in the days leading up to the Stroll out the ice sculpture demonstrations (begins • As an insert in this Hopkinton at 3:00pm) before the Hopkinton Girl Scouts’ Independent edition annual lighting of the tree on the Town • Download from our website Common that evening. www.hopchamber.com

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For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org.

The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

LIBRARY CORNER

Library Schedule Update

AB

KITCHEN

not drink the water or cook foods that absorb water (like vegetables or pasta).

“But if you are not in any of those categories, you may feel free to drink the water at your will,” he said. “According to the Department of Environmental Protection, there’s no threat, no risk to folks either drinking with it, cooking with it, showering with it, brushing your teeth with it or anything.”

Select Board Member Brendan Tedstone credited Westerling for his transparency and efforts to remedy the problem quickly. He also noted that the measured amounts of PFAs do not violate federal standards.

“It should be known that yes, we’re at 28.4 [parts per trillion], which is higher than what the state allowable is, but the federal maximum allowable is 70-plus,” he said. “So it’s not like we’re in Flint, Michigan, drinking their water.”

Three months of tests shows the levels of PFAs rising slightly.

“We saw the numbers go from 20 to 24 to 28,” Westerling said. “And that’s not a dramatic increase, but it is an increase. So our ability to provide water out of Well No. 6 that meets the MCL [state law], we’re just not there.

Unless we put a temporary filtration system on that Well No. 6, we’re not going to be able to reach water levels below the maximum contaminant level. … One of the interim solutions that we were looking at was the installation of a rental filtration system you could put on the well, and we thought that was a wonderful idea. But it’s a $170,000 initial installation, and it’s $200,000 a year worth of rental fees and filter media. So that’s part of the analysis that we’ll be doing is the cost-benefit analysis of what all of our options are.”

Westerling said it’s not possible to tell specific homeowners if their water is cleaner than others, and boiling the water only makes the situation worse.

Additionally, in-home filters won’t solve the problem, no matter what claims are on the box.

“Bear in mind the DEP is telling us that you can’t filter out PFAs with any home domestic systems,” he said.

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The library will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, and Friday, Nov. 26, for Thanksgiving. The library already is closed every Saturday and Sunday. Library staff wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday. There also is a possibility of an early closure on Wednesday, Nov. 24. Updates will be posted to the library website.

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Yoga With Natasha Linton

Mondays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, noon (Zoom) Register via the library’s website calendar.

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Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7-8 p.m. (Zoom) This month the Freedom Team Book Club is reading “Ring Shout” by P. Djèlí Clark. Copies are available at the main floor circulation desk for pickup. Register via the library’s website calendar.

Library Corner | 9

The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 9

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Southwick’s Zoo delights with Festival of Illumination, Winter Wonderland

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

T

he animals have been tucked away for the winter season, but Southwick’s Zoo is not entering hibernation. With visitors enjoying the inaugural Festival of Illumination and, starting Nov. 26, the Winter Wonderland, the zoo is bustling with activity.

“People are starving for entertainment, especially now with everything we’ve been through,” says Cindy Lavoie, CFO of Southwick’s Zoo. Southwick’s Zoo partnered with Zigong Lantern Group this year to present the Festival of Illumination, the largest lantern festival in New England. As night falls, the 3D displays come to life in the figures of wild animals and global landscapes, some as large as 60 feet tall and 300 feet long.

The festival theme is “World of Lights,” and the creators have Handcrafted light displays transform the night designed lanterns to represent all sky at Southwick’s Zoo. seven continents. “We want to teach people about taking care of Starting Nov. 26, the Festival of Ilour earth and about conservation efforts,” lumination becomes a drive-through event says Lavoie. “We also want to impart and combines with the zoo’s annual Winter knowledge to the general public about all Wonderland attraction. Now in its fifth the different continents and their animals.” year, Lavoie says the Winter Wonderland In addition to wildlife education, gets “bigger and better” each time. “When Lavoie notes that visitors enjoy a cultural we do something here, we go all in to make and artistic experience as they admire the it the best that it can be,” she says. lanterns’ Chinese craftsmanship. Cultural This year, visitors will enjoy a holidayChinese lantern festivals began centuries themed dog show featuring rescue dogs, ago during the Han Dynasty, according to and kids will have a chance to interact with Zigong Lantern Group, which brought 22 costumed characters and Santa himself. people from China to help manufacture There will be hot chocolate, hot toddies the pieces at the zoo. The lanterns, made and firepits to mingle around — plus Galof steel and silk, are meticulously handliford’s Restaurant and the zoo’s gift shop painted and illuminated with LED bulbs. will be open. New holiday-themed lantern The festival also features an Asian elements also will be added to the Festival marketplace where guests can shop, eat of Illumination displays. and enjoy live entertainment. Three to Lavoie says the zoo has had “a wonfour acrobatic performances are held each derful year” thanks to its patrons and it is night — a “must-see show,” according to very grateful for the support of the comLavoie. munity. As one of the few places that was able to remain open during much of the pandemic, the continued traffic from visiLibrary Corner | from page 8 tors has helped the zoo expand its offerings

and look forward to new projects.

The traditional zoo experience will reopen in April 2022 along with the unveiling of a new playground.

The Festival of Illumination will be open as a walk-through attraction until Nov. 25, Wednesday through Sunday evenings. The Winter Wonderland and

Sending Warm Thanksgiving Wishes From My Home To Yours.

Conversation Circles

Friday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m.-noon (at the library) This program will provide an opportunity for English language learners to practice vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar in a fun, comfortable, laid-back environment. Register at the library’s website calendar.

Plants as Muse: Mugwort with Nora Toomey

Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. (Zoom) Mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris, is a plant that is woven so deeply into the folklore and mythology of countless cultures around the world. It is an ancient plant, rich with story, magic and medicine. In this one-hour class, participants will explore the imagery, deities, planetary rulings and magical properties associated with mugwort and will be led through creative prompts inspired by mugwort that will unleash their own storytelling, poem-writing or art-making power. Participants should bring a notebook and painting, drawing or collage supplies. The first 20 registrants will be able to pick up a pouch of mugwort from the library. Register at the library’s website calendar.

Festival of Illumination will open as a drive-through from Nov. 26 to Jan. 2. For more information or to buy tickets, visit southwickszoo.com.

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

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

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clude tips for stocking a good pantry along with some easy pantry meal ideas for the winter months. Winter can be difficult, but meal planning shouldn’t have to be.

Thrift Store

Saturday, Dec. 11, 1-3 p.m.

Once again, members of the Hopkinton Police Association and their families are presenting the Hopkinton Senior Christmas Party. Hopkinton seniors (60-plus) and Senior Center volunteers can make a reservation to attend.

This fantastic and joyous party includes dinner and fun door prizes. Rides are available, and requests should be made when making a reservation, by Dec. 6.

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

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

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The Senior Center recently hired an additional van driver, which means it now is offering transportation to and from the Senior Center as well as local shopping Tuesdays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents.

The Senior Center can help residents find transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping, utilizing grants and MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) programs. Individuals aged 60 and older, veterans or those homebound due to a disability should call the Outreach Department at the Senior Center at least three business days in advance of the desired day of travel at 508-497-9730, ext. 1615, for assistance in scheduling a ride Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Lunch Program Meals are back to being in person at the Senior Center. Call to sign up at least two days in advance. Cost is $5 per meal, or pre-purchase a ticket for five meals for $20.

Exercise Classes

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All classes now are in person Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

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

Stretch class, Tuesdays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Balance & Flexibility, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

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

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

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

Zumba, Fridays, 9:15 a.m.

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

Meditation, alternating Fridays, noon (call for schedule)

Stocking the Pantry for the Winter Wednesday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m.

This informative presentation from Baypath’s dietitian will in-

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Sean Fullerton presents his “Acoustic Memories For Seniors” holiday show, where he’ll perform solo acoustic “feel-good/sing-along” Americana music and instrumental finger-style guitar from the 1930s through the 1970s, including plenty of Christmas favorites using a variety of guitars and harmonicas. This program is sponsored by a grant from the Hopkinton Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Call for dates Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences with others going through similar changes, and form friendships. A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call 508-497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.

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Mondays, 12:30 p.m. (offered live and virtual) 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.

‘Keep Movin’ with the Senior Center

Second and fourth Friday of each month, 10 a.m. (HCAM) This half-hour show features a wide variety of community resources and upto-date information on what’s happening at the Senior Center.

The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 11

Parks & Rec roundup: Dog park opens; turf field project to seek bids William Burke and his children, (from left) William, Charlotte and Savanah, play with their dog, Haven, at the town’s new dog park off Fruit Street earlier this month.

lation of a World War II memorial on the Town Common.

“This is going to happen,” Guelfi said, “it’s just a matter of how long it’s going to take.”

Operating budget discussed The commission reviewed a draft of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, which includes increased spending for staff salaries, repair, maintenance, equipment

and electricity. Increased staff compensation costs were attributed largely to the expanded season at Sandy Beach, as well as standard merit increases and the minimum wage increase.

Other increases were attributed to projects on the Town Common, new playground wood chips, rising energy costs and general expansion of the department. The commission voted to allow Guelfi to present the budget proposal to the town’s Finance Department.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

A

t its meeting Nov. 10, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed updates regarding the dog park, Town Common, Fruit Street facilities and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.

The new dog park is open and “being heavily used,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Jay Guelfi. The park is “as done as it’s going to be until spring,” Guelfi noted, clarifying that a gazebo and two benches remain to be installed, and the water fountain is not yet in operation.

“If you haven’t been yet, I encourage you to go check it out,” Guelfi said. “Even if you don’t have a dog, check it out.”

Fruit Street developments discussed Regarding the Fruit Street turf replacement project, Guelfi reported that

the group will begin soliciting bids, contingent upon Town Meeting approval of the project, with the intention that work begins in July.

Going into the winter season, the Fruit Street grass field will receive one additional seed application before the facility is wrapped up for the year. The plumbing will be winterized after the high school finishes its season.

Town Common requests approved The commission approved a request from the Cooper family to light a menorah for Hanukkah in the Town Common from Nov. 28 through Dec. 6. The group also approved a request from the Girl Scouts to host a tree lighting ceremony and perform carols on the Town Common on Dec. 4 from 3:30-6:30 p.m., following the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll event in town.

Planning continues for the reinstal-

Venerated veterans

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Hopkinton High School teacher and coach Steve Simoes speaks at the town’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Senior Center on Nov. 11.

HopkintonIndependent.com

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

THANKSGIVIN HILLERS COACHES AND STAFF VARSITY STAFF Mark Sanborn, head coach ASSISTANT COACHES Will Collins Steve Simoes Dave Hughes Brian Prescott Anthony Gonzalez FRESHMAN TEAM STAFF Chaney Gaudette, head coach James Brodeur TEAM STATISTICIAN Hayden Orenstein

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

1955 Hillers overcame challenges to go undefeated

HOPKINTON HILLERS FOOTBALL NO.

NAME

GRADE

NO.

POSITION

NAME

GRADE

POSITION

40 Lucas Edmond 10 WR/DB 44 Zachary Peace 10 WR/DB 50 Cable Best 10 OL/DB 52 Russell Perryman 10 TE/LB 59 James Muzzy 12 OL/DL 61 Jason Piccioli 10 OL/DL 62 Michael Scardino 10 OL/DL 64 Hunter Bertucci Bissonnette* 12 OL/DL 65 Andrew Winslow 10 OL/DL 66 Luke Martin 10 OL/DL 68 Harrison Bograd 12 OL/DL 69 Jonathan Dicken 12 OL/DL 70 Evan VanBeek 11 OL/DL 71 Brendan McGowan 11 OL/DL 72 Anthony Cherubim 10 OL/DL 73 Abdulrhman Alashabi 10 OL/DL 74 Jack Peppard 10 OL/DL 75 Justin Sokol 11 OL/DL 77 Jason Girard 10 OL/DL 78 Ryan Franklin 12 OL/DL 79 Donovan Heggs 10 OL/DL 85 Gavin Andrew 10 WR/DB 86 Sam Pantera 10 TE/DL 89 Brady Auslander* 12 TE/DL

2 Braden Hicks 11 WR/DB 3 Rocco Horgan 10 WR/LB 4 Kavin Prasanna 11 LB/FB 5 Paul Litscher 11 WR/DB 6 Wyatt Stevens 11 WR/DB 7 Seamus Murphy 11 WR/DB 8 Charlie Petruney 10 WR/DB 10 Robert Litscher 11 QB/LB 13 Andrew Budden 11 WR/DB 14 Ken Lu 11 WR/DB 15 Avery Ravech 11 K/P 16 Colby Lavelanet 11 WR/LB 17 Julian Rivard 9 QB/DB 19 Christian Pereira 10 WR/DB 20 Logan Richardson 10 WR/DB 21 Joseph Carrazza 11 RB/LB 23 John Sanda 10 RB/DB 24 Shubhanjay Khanal 12 WR/DB 25 Jakai Bellofatto 10 RB/DB 27 Carlos Linton 10 FB/LB 29 Cooper Fossbender 10 FB/LB 30 Calvin Touzjian 12 LB/TE 31 Devin Canty 11 TE/DL 32 Aidan Kelley* 12 LB/FB 33 Alexandre Durand 12 WR/DB 35 Ruggere Vitoria 10 WR/DB

ATHLETIC TRAINER Amanda Magier

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

F

irst let me start with a little bit about the author. I was ready to become a football star at the age of 14, very small (5-foot-5, 125 pounds) and very slow (Coach Mario Mariello would often yell at me TALES FROM while we were doing laps A TOWNIE at the end of practice, “Hamilton, I don’t mind you carrying a piano around with you, but you don’t have to stop and play it!”). I was a member in good standing of Coach Mariello’s “Hamburg Squad,” which meant we spent practice opposite the first team being pounded into hamburger every day.

Now, here are the vital team facts: In 1954, the Hopkinton High School football team had gone 2-6 under Coach Dempsey in his last year as coach.

We were attending school at the old “Stedgie Prep” High School on Main

* Captain

Street for the first semester until we went into the new high school on Hayden Rowe, which was mostly finished in the fall of 1955, except for the septic system, which was to be located under the football field (the only field at the time), and that led us to another obstacle. All our games were scheduled as away games. Another obstacle: Workers really began digging the field in earnest in the middle of September, so there was no field long enough to practice punt and kickoff returns for the rest of the season.

However, we had a training feature no one else had. Workers had stripped a huge amount of loam off the area where they built the school and piled it up about 25 feet tall. The pile had steep and less-steep sides.

Coach would have us run up the less-steep side and barrel roll down the other side to “tough us up.” After about two times over the pile, it was about like playing a whole game — very bruising.

1955 Hillers | 14

Go Hopkinton Hillers!

Beat Ashland

Clockers!

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The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 13

NG DAY GAME Hillers face big challenge in renewal of T-Day rivalry with Ashland

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

A

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Above: Hillers seniors will take to the field for the final time on Thanksgiving Day.

HOPKINTON HILLERS CHEER

fter missing out on the annual Thanksgiving Day showdown between border rivals a year ago, Hopkinton and Ashland are ready to renew their rivalry this Turkey Day (10 a.m.) in Ashland.

“It’s going to be awesome,” said firstyear Hopkinton head coach Mark Sanborn.

“I think just having football in the fall again has been awesome overall and it’s always special to be playing football on Thanksgiving.”

Sanborn is a graduate of HHS and was part of four matchups with the Clockers.

He called the long-running series one of the best high school football traditions in the state.

“It’s definitely a rivalry,” he said. “But there is plenty of mutual respect there as well.”

The two teams’ seasons have gone in somewhat divergent directions. Ashland rolled through the regular season unbeaten but suffered its first loss Nov. 12 at Scituate T-Day | 14

GOOD LUCK HILLERS! Happy Thanksgiving PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

NAME

GRADE

NAME

GRADE

Sara Hakansson Hailey Minka Jennifer Scola Chiara Campoverde Sophia Dellacioppa Charlotte Goodman Nerea Gutierrez Lovera Klara Niss Abby Hassler Haina Ren Gabriella Semanduyev

9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11

Kara Diune Jewlya Rogers Elizabeth Schneider* Ashley Thomas* Marissa Walsh Maeve Watson* Ava Whelan

12 12 12 12 12 12 12

from Donna & Steve

* Captain

HEAD COACH Elise McMahon

HopkintonIndependent.com

We have your back!

Donna Spector, Steve Spector 508-751-9735 DonnaAndSteveHomeTeam.com

14 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

1955 Hillers overcame challenges to go undefeated

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2022 FTBALL BASEBALL & SO

Those were our adverse conditions. Now, let’s start the season.

On a hot night in the middle of August, we assembled in a room at Stedgie Prep to meet our coaches.

Mario Mariello and Paul Sullivan walked in and looked at us, and Coach Mariello said, “This looks The 1955 HHS football team compiled a record of 9-0, capped fine for the junior by a 32-20 Thanksgiving Day victory over rival Ashland. The varsity, but where author is in the front row, last player on the right. are the varsity was still snowing as went into the locker players?” Shortly afterward, we started room expecting a blasting from Coach the dreaded two-a-day practices. Our Mariello. He came into the locker room, game odyssey began on a Saturday, Sept. shrugged his shoulders and said, “Well?”

24, a warm, sunny afternoon, with a trip And that was all. We went on to win, 20-6. to Medfield and a 25-7 victory.

It snowed the whole game, and by the end The following Saturday, we went there were 3-4 inches of snow on the field. on the bus to Cohasset, the only game of Wow, 8-0 and only one game left, at the season to which we traveled in street our traditional rival, Ashland. We hadn’t clothes. We came away with a 32-0 win, beaten them for many years. On Nov. 24, and we got to go to a nice seafood restau1955, we prevailed, 32-20. rant on the way home.

The Ashland police chief had warned The next game was an easy 40-13 us that no kids were to celebrate in Ashwin at Medway. Our record was — Wow! land. Around 8 o’clock that night, we — 3-0. formed at the Hopkinton Common, led by Then came Northborough and a hardour only police cruiser and Fire Engine 4, fought 6-0 victory — the hardest game and paraded around Ashland for a while of the season. That was followed by an with a log line of cars behind us. easy 39-0 victory at Leicester. We won My illustrious playing career ended 12-6 at Westborough the last weekend of after my sophomore season. I didn’t gain October. We ventured to Burlington on a much weight or speed. After our undefrosty November day and came away with feated season, many more of the guys went a 7-0 victory. out for football, thus I didn’t play in any We loaded the bus for Millis in a light games or get a letter. I thought my time snow. At halftime we were trailing 6-0, the would be better spent elsewhere, so I went only time all year we were behind, and it to work in the cemetery.

Hillers face big challenge in renewal of T-Day rivalry with Ashland T-Day | from page 13

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in the Division 4 quarterfinals. Hopkinton comes in at 3-7 and on a three-game losing streak. But Sanborn said the records are less significant on Thanksgiving, when the two teams wake up and head right to the game with both towns bringing scores of fans.

“It has a different feel to it, a different environment,” he said. “The fans come out and the family and community support is great for both teams. It’s a special day whether you have the best team or you’re struggling, it’s always a good football game. We are looking forward to keeping the tradition going.”

The Hillers have a trio of senior captains looking to end their careers on a positive note. Offensive/defensive lineman Hunter Bertucci-Bissonnette, linebacker/ fullback Aidan Kelley and tight end/ defensive lineman Brady Auslander have been instrumental in leading Hopkinton this fall, Sanborn said.

“They have set the tone for us on and off the field,” the coach said. “The way they carry themselves on the field, in the community, they have set the tone for what we expect from them and from their work ethic. The rest of the seniors have fostered the same idea and we think the younger guys have bought in.”

HopkintonIndependent.com

The senior class is relatively small this year, but Sanborn said the players make up a “high quality group.”

“You don’t have to worry about them, they show up every day and they have their own motors,” he said.

In addition to sending the seniors out with a win, Sanborn is hoping to build momentum heading into next year, when many of the skill position players will be returning. Among them are junior quarterback Robert Litscher and junior wide receiver Seamus Murphy.

“Robert has done a good job getting better every single week, he is making the most out of our offense,” Sanborn said.

“Seamus has put up big numbers catching the ball.”

While Sanborn has fond memories of being part of the Hopkinton-Ashland rivalry, he said he will never live down being on the losing end of the game his senior year.

“It was a tough one,” he recalled. “I am still friends with a lot of the guys from Ashland who played on that team. You get one shot to play Ashland your senior year, you have to make the most out of it and work hard, because there is nothing better than going out on your senior year with a victory.”

The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 15

Memorable tourney run for HHS boys soccer Hopkinton High School’s Owen Schnur celebrates his goal during the Hillers’ firstround state tournament victory over visiting Nashoba on Nov. 4.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

T

he Hopkinton High School boys soccer SPORTS team saw its run through the ROUNDUP Division 2 state tournament come to a close Nov. 13 with a 3-2 loss at West Springfield in the quarterfinal round.

The hosts scored two early goals (13th

and 14th minutes). In the 34th minute, HHS senior Owen Schnur took a Declan Mick throw-in and drove it into the corner of the goal to get Hopkinton on the board.

After falling behind 3-1, Hopkinton scored with eight minutes remaining, as Sam Vasington converted a Tora Ito pass,

Hillers commit to college programs Soccer players (from left) Ashley Butler, Gabi Ciri and Ava Perlov show their college pride during a commitment signing day at Hopkinton High School on Nov. 17.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

H

opkinton High School will be well represented in the collegiate athletic ranks in the years to come, with a number of Hillers already having signaled their intent to continue their sports careers at the next level.

HHS Athletic Director Rich Cormier said the list is expected to grow significantly in the coming months, but the school held a signing ceremony Nov. 17 for the seniors who have letters of intent to play college sports.

Basketball standout Lauren Cho always wanted to play in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), which combines a strong athletic tradition in NCAA Division 3 with one of the top academic conferences in the nation at any level. Cho focused her recruiting on Colby College in Maine, and she will play for the Mules next season.

“I have always loved basketball, so I am excited to have the chance to continue my career at such a great school,” Cho said.

“It really felt like home when I visited.”

Cho said she will be focusing on her conditioning and honing her outside shot over the next year before stepping up to the college game. She said HHS basketball coach Mike Greco has been helping her and her teammates get the most out of their talents.

“Everyone on our team is really excited and committed, we want to be the best team in our league,” Cho said. “My teammates push me to keep working hard.

It’s always competitive in practices and games, and they have been really supportive.”

Tess Weatherhead, a skilled diver, will compete in that sport at the University of Richmond next year. Seniors Ashley Butler, Gabi Ciri and Ava Perlov are slated to play college soccer following standout careers with the Hillers. Butler will attend Vassar, Ciri is heading to the University of Scranton, and Perlov will play for Catholic University.

HHS also has four baseball recruits in Dylan Locke (Brandeis), Nick Paharik (Assumption), John Wauters (Bentley) and Vinnie Purpura (Bryant).

Paharik said he was drawn in by the

but time eventually ran out on the Hillers.

In the previous round, the 14th-seeded Hillers made the short trip to Holliston on Nov. 10 and emerged with a 3-1 upset of the third-seeded Panthers.

Schnur opened the scoring in the third minute, off a pass from Sean Golembiewski. Holliston tied the score in the 21st minute off a corner kick, and that’s how it stood at the half.

Schnur scored the go-ahead goal off a throw-in from Mick in the 43rd minute.

Aryan Shah added an insurance goal in the 54th minute off a pass from Pierce Farrell. …

The HHS girls soccer team saw its season come to an end Nov. 6 with a 2-0 loss at Brookline.

HHS girls XC second in D1B HHS girls cross country finished second at the Division 1B championship meet on Nov. 13 and advanced to this past weekend’s All-State championship.

Autumn Tumbleton finished fourth and Katie Callery took seventh to lead the Hillers, who were seven points behind first-place Marshfield (107-114). …

Boys cross country ended its season Nov. 13 with a ninth-place finish at the Division 1B championship meet. …

In other HHS athletics news, Nick Grout was named girls ice hockey coach.

Grout, who teaches at Dover-Sherborn, previously coached the co-op team for nine years.

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“close-knit community” at the Worcester school.

“The classes are smaller and you can build relationships with your teachers and Health & Safety Matters the other kids there,” he said.

Paharik said there could be opportuMost To Us nities for him to play in the Greyhounds’ infield right away when he joins the team in the 2022-23 academic year. Before departing for college, he’ll have the chance Health & Safety Matters Most To Us to serve as a captain for the Hillers.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a captain,” he said. “We hope to get back to another state championship, but ultimately our goal is just to create a family bond and be really close.”

The recruited athletes noted that the process was made even more challenging and stressful by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited campus visits and opportunities for college coaches to see them play in person.

Those added obstacles made HHS junior Emma Dacey even happier to have settled on her college choice earlier than most. Dacey is set to join the women’s lacrosse program at the University of Connecticut in 2023-24.

“At my visit I really loved the atmosphere and the campus and the overall vibe, and I will get to watch the women’s hoops team, which is great,” she said. “The recruiting process was really stressful, so finding my place was a big relief, but I know I still have to keep my grades up.”

Dacey said she was impressed by some of the newly built athletic facilities at UConn. She hopes to help the Huskies get to an NCAA tournament someday, but first she’s focused on helping HHS succeed.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

After 20 seasons with program, Grabmeier goes out on high note

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After leading the Hillers to the state title game, Margie Grabmeier (right) is retiring as HHS volleyball coach following a 20-season run with the program, including 18 years as head coach.

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wo decades ago, Margie Grabmeier noticed an ad that kept popping up in a local newspaper soliciting a freshman volleyball coach at Hopkinton High School.

The local resident had experience with the sport, having played both during her high school days in Connecticut and for a season at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I thought, ‘They seem like they really need someone, maybe this is something I could help out with,’ ” Grabmeier recalled.

“I had no idea it would become such a huge part of my life.”

Grabmeier spent just a couple of weeks with the program before being elevated to the junior varsity level. Two years later, she became the varsity head coach, eventually leading the Hillers to a pair of state championships, two undefeated seasons and more than 300 victories — as well as this past weekend’s Division 2 state championship match.

As has been the case for many since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grabmeier’s life has taken some unexpected turns. Her children are grown and her husband no longer needs to commute to an office, so the couple left their Hopkinton home and moved to their second home in Falmouth full-time. The commute is part of the reason why Grabmeier is stepping down after 20 years, but this particular team also provided a good opportunity to finish on a high note.

“Twenty years seemed like a good, round number and I was thinking I would be able to hit 300 [wins], which the team did relatively quickly this year,” she said.

“There are also a lot of seniors on this team, and half of them have been on the team since sophomore year. It’s a great group, and I felt like I wanted to go out with them.”

The Hillers rolled through the regular season undefeated this year, the second time the program has accomplished that feat during Grabemeier’s tenure. Hopkinton won the Division 2 state championship in 2014 and 2016 and, after being bumped up to Division 1, made yet another run to the state final in 2017 before losing.

The victories are memorable, but when Grabmeier thinks back on the highlights of her career, she also recalls team trips to Florida in 2006 and 2015, the first time the program went to a sectional final, and par-

HopkintonIndependent.com

ticipating in — and winning — the Hall of Fame Tournament in Springfield this year.

“That was our first time going to that tournament and we won it,” she said. “That was pretty exciting.”

HHS Athletic Director Rich Cormier said Grabmeier’s legacy won’t soon be forgotten.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with Margie over the past three years and to witness her unwavering commitment to her students and to the volleyball program as a whole,” he said. “She has won over 300 matches, but that’s not what makes her so special — it is all the little things she does that has created a culture that values teamwork, inclusion, sportsmanship, community, character and a commitment to excellence. To say we will miss Margie is an understatement — she is Hopkinton volleyball, but she has also left the program in a great position to remain successful thanks to her program building and involvement with the youth.

Added Cormier: “We were beyond lucky to have her!”

Grabmeier has fond memories of doing arts and crafts with her players, face painting, holding youth clinics, and watching her current teams help school the younger girls who would become the program’s future.

When players graduate, they often come back to see Hopkinton play, she noted.

“I love it when I see the alumni coming into the gym and cheering on the current team,” Grabmeier said.

She’s enjoyed all of the players she’s had the chance to coach, but two stand out in particular. Maggie Grabmeier played for her mother from 2007 through 2009, and younger sister Angie Grabmeier was part of the program from 2016 through 2019, winning a state title as a freshman and making a run to the state final the following year.

“Having the opportunity to coach my two daughters, that was special to have that extra time with them on the court,” Grabmeier said. “I was able to share one of my passions with them.”

While she will not miss the commute from the Cape, Grabmeier said she will miss the people she’s had the chance to work with, from the players to fellow coaches, to fans and parents, and even the local media that has covered the program.

“It’s the relationships that I will miss the most, without a doubt,” she said. “Volleyball is a fun sport, it really is, but I coach because of the people.”

from

The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 17

’

HHS volleyball takes title

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HHS players celebrate their state title Saturday.

Volleyball | from page 1

After losing the first set, 25-19, Hopkinton regrouped and won the next three sets, all in dramatic fashion, 25-23, 28-26 and 26-24.

“It’s a dream,” HHS coach Margie Grabmeier said. “This is what they were planning for and the goal that they had since the first day of tryouts, when they set team goals. They did it. They work hard at practice, they bring it in games, they have great team chemistry and they help build each other up.”

The win was the 307th and final one for Grabmeier, who is retiring after 18 seasons leading the Hillers. This marks her third state championship.

Her players desperately wanted to send her out on a winning note, and they played like it.

“This whole season we’ve been trying to make her last year the best year possible, so I’m so proud of our team and so proud of her that we were able to win this game and be undefeated,” Grady said. “It’s the best thing ever.”

Westborough got out in front in the first set, taking a seven-point lead at 14-7. The Hillers closed to within four but could get no closer, and the Rangers took a 25-19 win.

The second set was a reversal of fortunes, with Hopkinton getting out ahead by six early. Westborough rallied to the score at 18, but Annabelle Senseney and Kate Powers had big kills down the stretch in a 25-23 win.

Westborough committed a service error at set point.

“We were getting contributions from all of our offense,” Grabmeier said.

“It makes it a little bit harder to defend when you’re not really sure [who to focus on, as] everyone can put the ball down.”

Neither team had lost a third set the entire season, and this one required

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extra points to decide it. Westborough was up 24-21 and serving with a chance to win the set. However, a service error was followed by a Melanie Gildea kill and a Grady kill to tie things up. Twice Westborough went up by a point, with a chance to close out the set, only to see Hopkinton fight back. A Powers kill then put the Hillers up one, and Senseney tipped a wayward Westborough pass to the ground to end the set, 28-26.

“They had game point twice, and we came back,” said Cathryn Leighton, a captain and one of the team’s seniors.

“It’s just so special because there’s eight seniors and it’s Margie’s last year, so winning today was so cool and so great.”

The fourth set also was a back-andforth battle. It was tied at 23 after some exciting action, including a cross-court spike from Gildea and a kill from Meg McCarron. Westborough took its final lead at 24-23, leading to a Hopkinton timeout. The Hillers then dodged a bullet as a potential set-winning spike from sophomore standout Quinn Anderson went just wide of the sideline. Hopkinton went up by a point as libero Sam Berenson, Hopkinton’s defensive star, let a Westborough hit go out of bounds past the end line. Then Grady ended it with her block.

“It’s so great to come out on top,” Grabmeier said. “It could have gone either way. Westborough has an amazing team, which just makes it that much more gratifying. They know that they had to earn it.”

The Hillers received contributions from up and down the lineup, including seniors Sarah Furlong and Kate Dion and sophomore Abby Hebert.

“This is the best team I think I’ve ever been on,” said Hebert. “The chemistry between us is unreal, and it’s unlike any team that I’ve ever played with.”

The champs were welcomed back to town Saturday night with an escort from the Hopkinton Fire Department, complete with sirens and lights.

Alison LePage and Loryn Canty contributed to this story.

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

Schools School Committee debates mask policy for athletic events

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

From a management standpoint, it is almost like we have to trust people and ask if they’re not vaccinated to please wear a mask. Or we just have to stick with what we’re doing and have everyone masked.

T

he School Committee at its Nov. 8 meeting discussed two major issues: the policy regarding wearing masks at school athletic events as well as the district’s MCAS scores.

Athletic Director Rich Cormier appeared before the committee to request its guidance about what the mask policy should be at school sporting events, considering that the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has not issued a recommendation since August.

However, no vote was taken this meeting, as the issue about whether the school’s policy during the day should apply to extracurricular activities was not resolved due to unclear guidance from the MIAA. Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh explained that when the decision to lift the mask mandate on a three-week trial basis was made for the high school, that policy was for school buildings. However, there was an understanding that any policy, such as the federal mandate requiring mask use on school buses, would supersede the high

— HHS Athletic Director Rich Cormier school policy.

“What we’ve come to learn is that there’s sort of a movement in MIAA to allow people to make decisions at the local level,” she said. “But the problem, I think, is that there’s sort of a disconnect between what MIAA is saying and what DESE [Department of Elementary and Secondary Education] is saying.”

Data has been collected on the vaccination status of students and staff at the high school to determine if the school met DESE’s requirement of an 80 percent COVID-vaccination threshold to allow for those vaccinated individuals to be able to remove their masks.

The problem is that there are teams and fans coming in from other towns that

might not have met that standard.

“As everyone knows, I guess we’re one of the few schools that can even have this conversation,” Cormier said. He described the complexity of having one policy during the day and another one to participate in or watch sports, particularly indoors. Another layer is that the other teams, their fans and the officials may be required to wear masks.

In an email chain with the MIAA, Cormier said that a mask policy was “up to the local district’s discretion.” But who determined that was not made clear.

“There has been nothing formally communicated through the membership of the MIAA to the schools – and there’s over 300 schools – other than this email,

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and I pointed out that fact that it was nice to email me after I asked,” he added.

There was supposed to be an update from the MIAA on Oct. 1, but Cormier said it has not been provided.

“From a management standpoint, it is almost like we have to trust people and ask if they’re not vaccinated to please wear a mask,” Cormier continued. “Or we just have to stick with what we’re doing and have everyone masked.”

Member Amanda Fargiano brought up the issue of “parity for the competition” if Hopkinton athletes were allowed to go unmasked while the other team had a mask requirement.

“There’s a difference between us doing it because it’s the fair thing to do versus whether or not we’re mandated to do it,” Cormier said.

Member Lya Batlle-Rafferty said she was uncomfortable voting on the matter, noting that the vaccination rate of those present in a room during the competition could dip below the 80 percent standard.

But Member Joe Markey countered that the 80 percent requirement applied to “the school community” — not people in one room.

Markey added that he hoped that checking vaccination status would not end up being a requirement for attendance at sporting events.

The superintendent’s concern was that students could be exposed to COVID-19 by someone who was asymptomatic and have to miss time in school. The same would be true if they displayed cold or flu symptoms until they have a negative COVID-19 test.

“I would think that if you’re having other teams come in who have to wear masks, it’s just more decorous to wear masks,” said Member Meg Tyler.

Chair Nancy Cavanaugh postponed a vote because some members were uncomfortable making a decision at that time.

She added that this aspect would need to be included once the trial period has ended and the policy is revised.

On a related note, the superintendent said that she received a call from DESE’s deputy commissioner to compliment the district on its implementation of the off-ramping of the mask policy for the trial period.

“He and several other districts across the state are actually kind of putting that out as a model, so that was very nice,” she said.

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The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 19

District’s MCAS scores beat state average A

t the Nov. 8 Select Board meeting, Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh provided a breakdown of students’ MCAS scores for 2021, which showed that Hopkinton fared better than the state average. In some cases, the scores were similar to those in 2019.

Assistant Superintendent Jennifer ParSCHOOLS son noted that the adNOTEBOOK ministration of the test was challenging during COVID-19 because younger remote students were allowed to take the test at home. In Grades 3-8, students only had to take half of the test in each subject, but some chose the first half while others took the second half.

Also, students in the Class of 2022 were not required to take the English language arts (ELA) and math tests, but some did so for scholarship purposes.

In math for Grades 3-10, Hopkinton students either performed as “exceeded expectations” or “met expectations” at rates ranging from 65 to 84 percent, with rates almost always increasing by grade level.

From Grades 3-9, about a third of the state’s students reached that level or achievement, with the state rate at 52 percent for Grade 10.

“I think we worried so much about how much students would lose and how much the dip would be,” she added. “But it wasn’t as dramatic as we worried.”

In comparing scores from 2018, 2019 and 2021, the drops ranged from

only a few points to 12 points in Grade 5 English.

Now that the MCAS data is available, teachers are looking for patterns where there could be areas for improvement.

To help with any learning gaps, ELA tutors have been hired through a grant for Elmwood and the middle school, while the high school has added tutors for ELA, math and science. At the high school, “flex block” times allow students to receive support from teachers.

Equity and access for historically marginalized populations was also stressed.

One issue for School Committee Member Meg Tyler was additional training for staff in specialized reading programs called Leveled Literacy Intervention and Wilson Reading System.

“Why is there only specialized training for the elementary school in Leveled Literacy Intervention and Wilson when neither are effective for students with specific learning disabilities in reading, who are 15 percent of the population?” she asked. “This 15 percent — they have been struggling for years. … We are failing these kids when it comes to literacy.”

FY23 Capital Plan approved The School Committee unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2023 capital plan. It includes $325,000

for the high school auditorium stage and lighting upgrade; $75,000 in districtwide intermediate distribution frame switches (technology upgrade); $60,000 that previously was approved for wetlands restoration; and $475,000 for air handling unit replacement.

Also included was $6,287,000 for solar and battery storage purchases.

Although a 20-year loan would need to be taken, the revenue generated would more than pay for the expense over the 25-year life span of the solar panels, explained Finance Director Susan Rothermich. If the solar panels and battery storage were rented, all the revenue would go to the owner rather than the department.

HHS team earns spot on ‘Quiz Show’ A team from Hopkinton High School was selected to compete in Season 13 of “High School Quiz Show,” a televised academic tournament from Boston public media producer GBH. Hopkinton qualified by recording one of the 17 highest scores at a Super Sunday qualifying event. A total of 72 schools had applied for a spot in the competition.

In this year’s competition, teams of four will play remotely as host Billy Costa moderates from the GBH studios in Brighton. The first match will be broadcast Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. on GBH 2 and on the show’s YouTube channel.

Hopkinton lost in the first round last year.

Lions Club speech contest Dec. 14 The Hopkinton Lions Club will host its annual speech contest for high school students on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

The topic of the student presentations will be “Why is accountability important?” For more information and to register, visit hopkintonlions.org.

Locals make mark in college Hopkinton’s Ben Leibowitz was featured in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” a rollicking, absurdist comedy by legendary comedian Steve Martin.

The show, which was performed Nov. 18-21, marked Worcester State Theatre’s return to in-person performance.

Leibowitz, a communication major, played the role of Charles Dabernow Schmendlman in the production. …

Amanda Donahue recently 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.

Donahue was initiated at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. …

Emily Taylor, a psychology major at Holy Cross, was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society, the Jesuit honor society founded in 1915.

Taylor is one of 30 new inductees, who exemplify the society’s values of excellence in scholarship, loyalty and service.

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021

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.

CALENDAR

Menorah lighting at Town Common Nov. 28 There will be a menorah lighting ceremony at the Town Common at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28, to mark the start of Hanukkah. The public is invited to attend.

Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll Dec. 4 The annual Holiday Stroll, sponsored

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by the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Many local businesses will participate with sales, specials, contests, treats and promotions. Individuals who take part will have the chance to win one of multiple $300 cash prizes. New this year, there will be a free horse-drawn carriage ride around the Town Common along with ice sculpture demonstrations. The event will culminate with the Girl Scouts’ annual lighting of the tree on the Town Common that evening. For more information, visit hopchamber.com.

Knights of Columbus free throw contest Jan. 4 The annual Knights of Columbus free throw competition will be held Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Hopkinton High School after

Trails organizations seek monthly volunteers The Hopkinton Trail Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC) and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon.

Volunteers are needed to help with general trail maintenance throughout the year, and

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a specific trail will be selected each month for targeted maintenance. Residents also are encouraged to inform these groups of maintenance issues observed on trails (downed trees, trails becoming overgrown, etc.) by emailing TCMCchair@hopkintonma.gov or hopkinton.trails.club@ gmail.com. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Al-Anon weekly meetings Thursdays Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend a confidential Al-Anon meeting, which takes place every Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. at the meeting room in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (61 Wood Street). For more information, visit al-anon.org or call 888-4ALANON.

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the Hopkinton-Ashland varsity boys basketball game. All boys and girls ages 9-14 can participate regardless of disabilities.

Trophies/medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category, and first-place winners advance to the district finals. Registration will begin in the high school gym at 7:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Ashland/Hopkinton Council (Bishop Rice Council 4822).

Festival of Wreaths Show and Auction | Nov. 23–Dec. 9 A variety of festive holiday wreaths will be on display in the HCA Lotvin Family Gallery. Created by local artists, wreaths will be available to bid on in a silent auction. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Ayla Brown Christmas | Dec. 17 The HCA is excited to welcome back country music singer and Country 102.5 morning show co-host Ayla Brown to our stage for a special holiday concert.

Ayla will perform your favorite Christmas classics and sing a special original Christmas song. Tap your feet and sing along to fun cover songs and ones that Ayla has written. Join us for a magical evening of music and storytelling!

Tickets on sale: www.HopArtsCenter. org. Sponsored by The Family Pet Hospital, Ashland.

HCA Members Show | Dec. 17, 2021–Jan. 28, 2022 The HCA is excited for our annual Members art exhibition opening December 17 in the Lotvin Family Gallery.

Over 35 pieces of original art will be on display. Join us for an artist reception January 14 from 6:00 to 7:00pm. The public is welcome.

The Nutcracker Ballet | Dec. 19 This beloved annual holiday treat will delight audiences of all ages! Under the direction of HCA Dance Director Jessica Wilson, the cast of 30+ dancers will transport you as they interpret Tchaikovsky’s memorable musical score. The running time of the show will be a little over one hour. And as an added treat, Santa Claus will be on hand along with a few cast members for a meet and greet after the show! Two performances — 12:00pm and 4:00pm at the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium (88 Hayden Rowe Street) Tickets on sale www.HopArtsCenter.org.

Thanksgiving Insurance Quiz 1. After Thanksgiving dinner, Paul’s guest has a car accident on the way home. If the guest sues Paul for over-serving him, would Paul have any protection on his home insurance?

2. Jen lives in Colorado but comes home to visit her mom and dad for Thanksgiving. Jen borrows the family car and has an accident. Would the parents’ insurance policy cover the claim even though Jen has not been listed as a driver for several years?

3. Jessie and Tiffany go shopping on Black Friday. They leave the gifts in their car overnight, and when they wake up they discover that all the gifts have been stolen. Would their auto insurance cover the stolen items?

Answers: 1. Yes, most policies include Host Liquor Liability Coverage. Be sure to check your policy! 2. Since Jen is an irregular driver and not a household member, the claim would be covered.

3. No, the auto policy would not respond. However, their homeowners or renters insurance would cover the theft.

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The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 21

Obituaries Al Rafferty James Allan “Al” Rafferty died at Penn Highlands DuBois, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 11 at the age of 81. Al was born on May 9, 1940, in Luthersburg, Pennsylvania, to the late Fred and Lois Rafferty.

He graduated from Brady High School in 1958. Al went to DuBois Business College and then enlisted in the Air Force. He then went to work at Brockway Glass, where he met his wife, Carol A. Snyder. They were married 56 years ago, on July 24, 1965.

Al worked in Pittsburgh and McKeesport as a computer programmer/ analyst. However, he and Carol missed their hometown. When Al and his family moved back to DuBois, he and Carol became proprietors of the Gateway Cafe.

His customers enjoyed his sense of humor and he became a well-known pillar of the community from 1978 to 1995.

After the Gateway, he sold cars at Murray Ford of DuBois and eventually retired. Quiet retirement did not suit his gregarious personality, so he returned to work at #1 Brookville Chevrolet.

Al is survived by his wife, Carol, his sister, Mary Ferguson of Treasure Lake, Pennsylvania, and his three children, Cindi (Brad) Jackson of Richmond, Virginia, Tom (Christene) Rafferty of Treasure Lake, and Todd (Lya) Rafferty of Hopkinton. He also is survived by six grandchildren: Neil, Brett, Hannah, Zachary, Blake and Gabe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lois Rafferty, his brother, Joseph Rafferty, his sisters, Dorothy Spencer and Lois Ann Rafferty, and his grandson, Alexander Thomas Rafferty.

Due to his wishes, there will be no public visitation or service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Adamson Funeral Chapel and Crematorium in DuBois.

Memorial donations may be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

kinton. She played the organ on many occasions and was employed as parish secretary. Later, she worked in the Guidance Department at Westborough High School, where she happily interacted with students pursuing college opportunities.

Diane was an avid reader, fond of a good mystery, travel stories and history books. She never missed reading the local newspapers. She was a loyal Red Sox fan her entire life, and Fenway Park was a favorite place along with mid-coast Maine and beaches in the Carolinas. Diane enjoyed art and was a member of the Worcester Art Museum.

She loved animals and was an equal partner with her husband in their retirement business of home pet care called Companion Associates.

A memorial service was held Nov. 13 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal rescue organization in your community.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home.

Jorge Corcuera Jorge C. Corcuera, 50, passed away Nov. 5 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston following a lengthy illness.

Born in Lima, Peru, he was the son of Jorge C. Corcuera Villalon and Ines Toscano and moved to the United States in 1987.

He married the love of his life, Rashmi M. Sahukar, in 2011, and settled

in Hopkinton in 2016.

Jorge worked for Dell/EMC for over 24 years, working his way up to software quality principal engineer.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Ravi J. Corcuera of Hopkinton, and his sisters, Patricia Corcuera Toscano of Peru, and Jeanette Corcuera Toscano of Rhode Island.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Nov. 10 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Hopkinton, followed by burial at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton.

Services were under the care of the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jorge’s memory, for his son’s education, may be made at zellepay.com, account 5088089480.

Obituaries | 22

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Diane Duce Diane Stowell Duce, 89, of Westborough died peacefully on Nov. 7 in Northborough. She was born in Gardner on July 15, 1932, and was the daughter of the late Stanley Austin Stowell and Ellen (Cooke) Stowell.

Diane was the wife of the late Benjamin Randall Duce, to whom she was married for 56 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth (Duce) Sedlins and husband John of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and Cynthia (Duce) Cote and husband Dennis of Sutton, and one son, Jonathan Duce and wife Linda of Waltham. She is survived by six grandchildren, two great grandsons and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Suzanne (Stowell) Sherwood of Jamestown, North Carolina.

Diane was an active parishioner at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hop-

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Mark Devane Mark E. Devane, 92, of Hopkinton passed away Nov. 13. Born in Newton, he was the son of the late Bridget (O’Shea) and Mark Devane. He was the husband of 65 years to Barbara J. (Shilo) Devane.

In addition to his wife, Mark is survived by three children, Mark Devane and wife Janet of Nashua, New Hampshire, Gary Devane of Natick, and Glen Devane and wife Lisa of Holliston. He also leaves behind his sister, Mary Devane of Framingham, as well as six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brother, Fr. John Devane, S.J. Funeral arrangements are being held privately and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Mary Dever Mary M. (McNamara) Dever, of Hingham, died peacefully at home surrounded by family Nov. 5. She was 96.

Born in Boston on Dec. 13, 1924, she was raised in Dorchester and was the daughter of the late Ambrose and Winifred (Murray) McNamara. Mary attended local schools and graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy with the Class of 1942. A graduate of Carney Hospital School of Nursing, Mary worked as a registered nurse for many years. She was especially proud to serve as a cadet nurse during World War II and her long career as a visiting nurse for Hingham VNA. Mary was a longtime parishioner of St. Paul’s Parish in Hingham, where she served as a Eucharistic minister while devoting her time as a spiritual mentor to others.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Robert C. Dever, who died in 2013. The two shared 59 years of loving years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Robert Dever Jr. (Robert III and Matthew) and wife Debra of Stoughton, Maryellen Dever of Hingham, Jane Barry and husband John (Christopher) of Hanover, Susan Marriner and husband William (Jared, Caroline and Andrew) of Hanover, Peter Dever (Peter Jr. and Adelaide) and wife Monique (Brian) of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Paula Hill and husband Greg (Gavin and Alana) of Concord, Timothy Dever and wife Amanda Kim (Vincent) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Terrence Dever and wife Andrea (Julia and Lauren) of Hopkinton. Mary was the dear sister of Sonia Keegan and late husband Laurence of Falmouth, the late Barbara O’Neil and husband David, the late Paul McNamara and surviving wife Eileen of Whitman, and the late Jane Wood and husband Philip.

She also is survived by her sister-in-law, Geraldine (Dever) Mayer of Quincy, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service was held at the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home in Hingham on Nov. 11, prior to the funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham. Burial was in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham.

HopkintonIndependent.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be made to Sisters of St. Joseph Retirement Fund, 617 Cambridge Street, Brighton, MA 02135.

Mary Mirabile Mrs. Mary A. (Ciccolo) Mirabile, of Wellesley, formerly of Hopkinton and Waltham, died Nov. 5 at the Elizabeth Seton Residence in Wellesley following a period of declining health. She was 93.

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Nicolo A. Mirabile.

She leaves her children, Nicholas Mirabile (Tracy) of Portland, Maine, Kathleen Wagner (Lucian) of Wellesley, Francine “Tina” Wehner (John) of Hingham, and James Mirabile (Brenda) of Hopkinton; her grandchildren, John Wehner, Alexander Wagner, Brianna Mirabile, Maximilian Wagner, Nicholas Mirabile and Thomas Mirabile; her brothers and sister, John Ciccolo of Wellesley, Vincent Ciccolo of West Bridgewater and Anna Gravina of Belmont; and several nieces, nephews and their families.

Mary also was a sister of the late Alice Szczukowski.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 11 at Saint Jude Church, Waltham, followed by burial in Newton Cemetery. Services were under the care of The Joyce Funeral Home, Waltham.

Maureen Bruce Maureen F. (Kelley) Bruce of Belmont passed away Oct. 31.

She was the beloved mother of James W. Bruce and wife Jessica of Hopkinton, and the cherished Nana of Alexis and Nathan Bruce. She also was the loving sister of Priscilla Beadle of Hull, Marilyn MacDonnell of Marlborough, Gail McDonald and husband Bill of Maynard, and Nancy Shea and husband Kevin of Bolton. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Maureen’s fondest times were spent on summer days in Hull, surrounded by her family, friends and neighbors. She enjoyed traveling the world, including trips to Europe, Asia, Alaska and Hawaii. Maureen loved spoiling her grandchildren, Alexis and Nathan, with trips to Disney World, Hilton Head and many other spots. She always could be seen and heard at their sporting events as their No. 1 fan.

After spending many years working at Honeywell, Maureen earned her master’s degree from Lesley College. She went on to work at Bridge Over Troubled Waters and then taught at St. Patrick’s in Roxbury. After retiring, her generosity continued as she volunteered in the St. Patrick’s library for many years.

Maureen modeled generosity, compassion and kindness in every way. She was loving, forever grateful, and felt blessed for what she had in her life. Her outgoing and vibrant personality drew you in. She will be missed deeply by her family, her dear friends, and all who knew her.

The Hopkinton Independent • November 24, 2021 • 23 A funeral was held from the Brown & Hickey Funeral Home in Belmont on Nov. 5, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church in Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Qadan Liver & Pancreas Research Fund, c/o MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.

Renee Hamilton Renée (Bittar) Hamilton, age 74, of West Newbury passed unexpectedly on Nov. 9 at the Golden Pond assisted living facility in Hopkinton. She was the beloved wife of 52 years to R. Bruce

Hamilton.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, May 1, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Mabel (Naman) Bittar.

She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, where she met her future husband, Bruce, then went on to receive a master’s degree in special education from Regis College.

Renée and Bruce were married on Nov. 1, 1969, and lived in Woburn, where Renée taught at a Catholic grammar school. They eventually settled in West Newbury, in the house they built themselves. When they moved to West Newbury, she taught at the Spofford Pond Elementary School in Boxford for many years. Throughout her rewarding career as a teacher, she was truly loved by her many students.

Renée was active in her community and enjoyed spending time with her family and working in her yard. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and spending time talking with people. Renée had a wonderful sense of humor and could light up a room. People always felt comforted and loved when they were around her.

She leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful memories to her husband, Bruce Hamilton of West Newbury; two nieces, Lisa (Bittar) Hurter and husband Robert of Shrewsbury, and Alexis Bittar and husband Devin Burke of Solana Beach, California; two nephews, Christopher Bittar of Boston and Matthew Bittar and partner John of Saugus; and her grand-nephews, Nicholas and Gregory Hurter; along with extended family and dear friends. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she also was predeceased by her brother, David A. Bittar.

Visiting hours were held at the Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, Newburyport, on Nov. 20.

To honor her love for all animals, kindly consider making a donation in memory of Renee B. Hamilton to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.

Police log not available The Hopkinton Police Department’s arrest and incident log is not available this month due to technological issues at the HPD. The department recently changed software and only has published very basic information. A representative explained that the department is working with its vendor to produce more detailed logs soon.

Shauna Redding Shauna Marie Redding, 66, of Hopkinton passed away Nov. 7. Born in Sandwich, she was the daughter of the late Leonna F. (Donahue) and Phillip Limeburner. She was the former wife of Peter Redding.

As a child, Shauna lived in Spain and France. She traveled as well and enjoyed her time spent in Europe. After marrying, she lived in Thailand, Turkey, California, Texas and Colorado. Most importantly, Shauna loved spending time with her family.

Shauna is survived by her two sons, David and Matthew Redding, and her siblings, Susan Stull, LeeAnn Jennings, Beth Brockman, Lori LimeburnerJohnson and Ellen Key. She also leaves behind her grandchild, Reaghan Leigh, and her dog, Browning, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter, Laura Redding.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

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Participants in the Hopkinton Women’s Club centerpiece workshop design their arrangements Nov. 13 at St. Paul’s Church.

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