HI 4.17.24

INDEPENDENT

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Select Board on April 5 completed its review of Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett, pointing out recent accomplishments and areas for improvement.

This three-hour meeting came less than 24 hours after Bennett and the HPD responded to an incident where a vehicle struck a 26-year-old woman on Hayden Rowe Street. The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died.

The mood of the meeting was more subdued and conciliatory than the previous two sessions in which Bennett’s

Alleged road rage leads to death of 26-year-old

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

A26-year-old woman who had sustained serious injuries after she was struck by a vehicle April 4 on Hayden Rowe Street died two days later.

Destini Decoff was hit by a vehicle in what officials called “an apparent road rage incident” in the vicinity of Cornell’s Irish Pub on April 4 at around 6:25 p.m. After Destini was on life support and had multiple surgeries, her mother, Tracy, posted on Facebook April 7 that her daughter had succumbed to her injuries the previous day.

“Today my biggest fear as a mother became my reality,” Tracy Decoff stated. “My first born child & best friend is no longer with me.”

Tracy Decoff’s Facebook post displayed Destini’s final handprint, which her mother requested be taken with the help of a nurse. A print-out of Destini’s heartbeat was placed in a glass bottle.

Tracy Decoff expressed gratitude toward the staff at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, where

Hopkinton independent

The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent,

The Sustainable Green Committee’s effort to make Hopkinton a more environmentally friendly community continues Sunday, April 28, with its annual Recycling and Reuse Day. The drive-in event, run in partnership with Green Team Junk Removal and Eversource, will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Marathon School, rain or shine.

Items that can be reused will be donated to local charities, while non-reusable items will be disposed of responsibly — in some cases, first broken down for any usable parts.

For the first time, the collection will include textiles (clothes and other fabrics), which by law no longer can be placed in the regular trash. Most items are free, but some will incur a charge. Mattresses — which also can’t be placed with regular garbage — will be taken for $45 each. Appliances, electronics and items like fire extinguishers and tires will be taken away for nominal fees ranging from $10-$30. (For a detailed list of accepted items and fees, visit hopgreen.org.)

“We usually get around 200 cars and fill two or three box trucks with furniture, electronics and other items,” said Sustainable Green Committee member Christine Coffman, a member of the Zero Waste Subcommittee. “With this being the first time we’re taking textiles, we don’t know if we’re going to get two bags or 200 bags. But we hope it’s effective and helpful to the town.”

One of the goals is to keep reusable objects local, or at least in the country. In the past, many items were sent overseas, but that well-meaning gesture can create problems by disrupting local economies with a flood of free products.

“Some of the stuff ends up in the U.S. but other times it goes overseas, which can be good and bad,” Coffman said. “We want to help as locally as we can and keep this stuff from doing harm to the economy.”

Many household items will go to Hopkinton-based Project Just Because for distribution to people in need. Gently used linens will go to St. John the Evangelist Parish for its annual rummage sale, while well-used linens will be put to use by Baypath Humane Society, the animal shelter on Legacy Farms North Road.

In addition to promoting the “Re’s” — refuse, reduce, reuse/repair and recycle — organizers will spread the word about the Sustainable Green Committee’s other work, including the two articles it is sponsoring at this May’s Annual Town Election, while aiming to have an effect on residents’ purchasing habits.

Said Coffman: “The biggest message is: Don’t buy it unless you truly need it, because then you need to find a way to get rid of it.”

Independent thoughts | 3

‘Call for a Just World’ April 26

The Hopkinton Freedom Team and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts are joining forces to host “a series of artful events connecting our community through social justice themes.”

On Friday, April 26, the HCA Loft will host an open mic event called “A Call for a Just World Through Poetry and Music” in which members of the community will offer their take via performance art.

“Teens and older are invited to share a poem or perform a musical piece — whether original or someone else’s — that inspires you about justice,” explained Hopkinton Freedom Team President Cathleen Dinsmore, adding: “All forms of creativity and imagination are welcomed and encouraged.”

Performers are being selected on a first-come, first-served basis and will share the stage with guest poet jamele adams, the director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Scituate Public Schools.

For more information, visit hopartscenter.org or email cathleen@hopkintonfreedomteam.org.

Meanwhile, the Freedom Team will host the fourth annual Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8, from 1-4 p.m., also at the HCA.

Snappy Dogs set for opening

The popular Snappy Dogs hot dog stand is slated to open for its 15th year of business on Thursday, April 18, in the back parking lot outside CVS on Grove Street.

“Over the years, we have watched entire families grow, we have served children their first-ever hot dogs, have been invited to graduation parties, and have mourned the loss of several customers, my dad, and Teresa’s younger sister included,” shared owner-operators Lisa Volpe Hachey and Teresa Boyce. “How fortunate we are to have survived the closing of Colella’s, the pandemic, the street closures, and bicycle lanes! In those 15 years we have met so many people, many of whom we know by name, some of whom we now consider friends.”

The owners noted that the stand has received media coverage throughout the region, which has led to visitors from multiple states.

“We’re tickled when people tell us Snappy Dogs is their destination for that day, that they’ve come from Maine or New Hampshire or Fall River, even!” the duo gushed. “That’s a long way to travel for a hot dog!

“Who would have thought such a thing possible? We started with no business plan, just a desire to get back to making money after having been out of a job! Neither of us had experience running anything. We liked people, and we liked making and serving food. The town embraced us, and we’ve never looked back.”

Sustainable Green Committee opposes herbicides

The Hopkinton Independent report “Select Board hears reasoning behind using herbicides to control Lake Maspenock weeds” fails to mention the Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee’s representatives testimonies opposing the unsustainable, ecologically harmful use of chemical herbicides in Lake Maspenock as fiscally and environmentally irresponsible.

The committee supports a nontoxic, long-term, holistic plan in corporating limiting watershed nutrient loading, barrier plants, benthic barriers, drawdown, hand pulling, and mechanical plant management as detailed in the Lake Maspenock Aquatic Vegetation Control & Water Management Plan (June 2021).

Federal and state aquatic science studies show the use of toxic herbicides is a short-term method of vegetation control and results in a herbicide treadmill of future use of toxic chemicals that harm a lake’s web of life.

The planned June application of several hundred gallons of the herbicide diquat (a herbicide banned in Europe because it harms aquatic life and human health) and endothall, (the EPA says harms mammals) and the potential of PFAS in the herbi cides’ inert formulations are clear reasons to ban the use of toxic aquatic herbicides.

— Donald Sutherland, chair of the Environmental Working Group, Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee

Rezoning push on South Street annoying

What’s the definition of insanity? The town voted no to developing Hayward Street and South Street three times in the last 30 years, but Marguerite Concrete continues to try push a plan for development.

Worse, Marguerite Concrete is wasting the time of residents and our elected officials when representatives last minute no-showed at the April 8 Zoning Advisory Committee meeting instead of doing the right thing and withdrawing in advance. It’s unprofessional, shows lack of respect, and is wasting taxpayer resources. Marguerite should have purchased the land on contingency of rezoning.

But the town should not spot zone for one resident nor be responsible to bail out a company for a bad business decision.

T he Select Board at its meeting April 2 approved the hiring of three police academy officers.

Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett recommended appointing Benjamin Vaz, Aline Matos and Justin Cappuccio as police academy officers.

Human Resources Generalist

Kristin Merrill explained that the three candidates came from a pool of 33 applicants, one of whom was hired at a previous Select Board meeting. Out of nine semifinalists, seven advanced in the process, with six selected “to proceed to pre-employment process.”

What Merrill sought in potential officers were candidates with “education and experience that reflected a sincere interest and passion for police work.”

Said Merrill: “Each candidate … brings something unique to the HPD team.”

Detective Sgt. Scott van Raalten introduced Vaz, who currently is working for the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office as a victim witness advocate. Vaz’s pursuit of a police career sprung from a desire to help people, particularly those “who don’t always get the help that they deserve.” He previously served as an intern with the mayor of Taunton.

His experience as a victim witness advocate has allowed Vaz to develop skills in seeing both sides of issues and guiding a victim through a trying experience. He also stressed building

trust with the community and with his fellow officers as critical.

He added that his mother’s side of the family is from Hopkinton, which gives him a natural affinity with the town.

Bennett introduced Matos, who got his attention simply by walking through the door and expressing an interest in law enforcement. She began her career with HPD as an intern and later as a part-time dispatcher. Now a full-time dispatcher, she is preparing to enter the police academy,

“In this day and age when recruiting is extremely difficult, we need to look at every stream,” said Bennett. “And this is truly a success.”

Matos is finishing her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from UMass Boston. She is fluent in Portuguese and knows some Spanish. She stressed that she is happy that the town is becoming more diverse and that she contributes to that diversity.

Cappuccio is in his fourth year of the five-year Fitchburg University police program. He will graduate with a bachelor’s degree on May 18 and proceed to the police academy two days later. He also is interning with the Pepperell Police Department.

Cappuccio said he always wanted to help people and “not sit behind a desk.” Originally he considered driving an ambulance, but he decided on a more hands-on community role.

He stressed the need for transparency, accountability and productivity. He also is coachable and wants to adapt to Hopkinton’s needs. Receiving

training in mental health assessments and working with crisis intervention clinicians are essential skills for him.

Earthquake felt in town

Some residents of Hopkinton indicated they felt an earthquake the morning of April 5 that struck the northeastern part of the United States. Individuals posted on social media that they felt the ground shaking, while many others reported being unaware.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, was centered in the area of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey (45 miles west of New York City). Individuals from Maryland to Massachusetts and states in between shared accounts of the shaking that occurred shortly before 10:30 a.m.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.

Senior volunteers get bump in max credit

The Select Board on April 2 voted unanimously to increase the amount that older taxpaying residents can earn through volunteering with the Senior Work Program.

Deputy Assessor Renee Chen advocated for an increase from $1,500 to $2,000. The board approved this request unanimously.

This program allows volunteers for the town to deduct the money they earn from their property tax bills while providing a knowledgeable volunteer pool. Volunteers work at the state’s minimum wage rate of $15 per hour.

Recent legislation allows the rate to be raised to up to $2,000, Chen explained.

EMC Park parking an issue

At its meeting April 9, the Parks & Recreation Commission authorized chair Dan Terry to appear before the Select Board and ask that eight spots in the EMC Park parking lot be designated for one-hour parking only on weekdays in the daytime.

Further, the board would recommend a $40 fine for violating that designation.

The issue is the lack of parking spaces for residents seeking to go to the park/playground because high school students are filling up the lot.

“It’s a big problem, and it needs a big solution,” commissioner Amy O’Donnell said. “Piecemealing solutions are not going to solve it.”

Commission members acknowledged that school lots could not accommodate the number of students needing to park.

Other problems in the lot include people using handicapped spaces where they should not and traffic backups.

“Over there, it’s mass chaos,” O’Donnell said, noting that she had sat in traffic at the site. “There is a traffic jam there with cars all leaving from one entrance and exit, crossing guards — so there is stop and go — and it is almost impossible [to move].”

Commissioners noted the problems are reduced once high school seniors finish classes in May. But with warmer weather, more residents will try to access the playground.

To give the matter “any teeth” from the Parks & Rec side, Terry said getting on the Select Board agenda is one step in a process. ”I hope they see it the way we do,” he said.

Librarian promoted

“If the increase is approved, it would provide Hopkinton seniors with a way to offset the rising cost of living and hopefully allow them to stay in their homes here in Hopkinton,” she stressed. “It will also provide the town with an additional 1,000 hours of volunteer service.”

Participants could apply the hours they volunteer from now through September to their fiscal year 2025 tax bills.

Last year, 45 seniors participated in the program, which cost $60,000. Chen said she expects the program to grow by $15,000 per year. The program cost is funded through an overlay account.

Ray Stephenson was promoted to the role of reference/technology librarian. Stephenson currently works as a senior library assistant and will combine the two part-time roles.

The role serves as a bridge between the town’s Information Technology Department and the library’s support staff. Stephenson also will work on the library’s social media presence and the promotion of its library of things. …

Jessica Lewerenz , the town’s former benefits administrator, was promoted to human resources director.

Development proposal for Center School site reviewed

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Permanent Building Committee at its meeting April 1 reviewed a proposal for a 45-unit age-restricted development at the Center School site that would include retail space and a park.

The proposal was submitted by local developers Chuck Joseph and Kevin Lobisser. The request for proposals specified that no more than 45 housing units could be built there. It also stipulated that the front portion of the building that was constructed in 1928 be restored.

lot to have the least impact on both neighbors. Part of the reason is we’re lowering the whole structure.”

Chair Dan McIntyre noted that another proposal had been submitted that “did not meet the RFP specifications. This proposal from Boston development firm Zeta Insight included apartments on all floors of a three-story building, plus a café

Joseph noted that his team crafted the proposal to meet requirements specified as priorities by residents at previous meetings. The paramount objective was to create age-restricted housing downtown for residents who want to downsize while adding vibrancy to the commercial district.

There would be 15 units on each of the three floors with a parking garage underground. Five of the units would be income restricted, while the rest would “generate significant income ad infinitum moving forward,” Joseph said. The development would include a state-of-the-art resident gym and community room.

The affordable housing component and the age restriction will be captured in the deed, Joseph explained.

He added: “The lack of alternatives [in town] for people who wish to downsize is significant.”

The 12-acre parcel is split nearly in half by a gas line easement. The proposal focused on the front parcel, leaving the rear one as open space. The front 4 acres would be developed, while the remaining 2 acres would be donated to the town to use as a park.

The proposed development is “almost even with the eaves of the 1928 building,” according to Joseph. It also is about 15 feet below the ridge line of the slate roof.

The new building would be pulled back from the property line with 5 Ash Street. The design sought to take the same square footage of the current building but “elongate” the building, pulling it back from the abutting property lines in the process and centering it on the lot. It also would showcase views of the Town Common.

“We tried to undulate the sides of the building so it’s not a single mass,” said Joseph, noting the mixture of textures and materials. At one point, the building would be about 12 feet higher than the current structure.

“All in all, I think what we’ve done is we’ve raised the building by about 12-15 feet on average,” he added. “We’ve pulled it to the center of the

Joseph stressed that the infrastructure the town has been building downtown “lends itself to the very density that our master plan calls for.” It promotes walkability as well as what he termed “third places,” or social gathering spaces.

The 1928 building would be remodeled into 5,000 square feet of commercial space. This area could feature a restaurant or potentially be divided into multiple businesses such as a hair salon or other service entity.

The proposal also showed a 2-acre “dogleg” of green space that is proposed to be donated to the town for a park. A public walkway would be included to this parcel to the downtown area. It also would help people connect to the Center Trail and will include trailhead parking. This trail potential can connect to Legacy Farms, Joseph added, stressing that a third of the parcel is dedicated to open space.

The development group has offered $100,000 for the Center School property, McIntyre said. The estimated tax revenues are estimated to be between $375,000-$450,000 per year. The development budget would include money for remediation of the building because of the asbestos, mold and water damage it has sustained over the years.

If the project it selected, Joseph said the team will “work hand in glove” with the Historic Commission as well as hold public input meetings. The thematic element of the Center School will be retained in the commercial site.

A Special Town Meeting would be held in the fall with articles to authorize a zoning change as well as for the purchase and sale of the property. Once approved, construction should take about a year to complete.

“It’s a good, solid, well thought out proposal,” said member David Godfroy. “Whatever you do, make sure that there’s a visual connection to the Town Common.”

McIntyre asked if any other uses for the commercial space were being considered besides a restaurant. Joseph said personal services and medical services are options, depending upon the market.

“I really want to do this project because I feel like I can already envision it there,” Joseph added. “And I can see that it’s going to do well for the town.”

The Permanent Building Committee intends to discuss the proposal with the Select Board and obtain its feedback before voting on it.

The proposed Center School development would have 45 age-restricted units.

Despite some objection, billboards taken down

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Two old billboards on the former Connelly Farms property, on Hayden Rowe Street just north of College Street, were removed April 2, signaling “the end of an era,” according to an advocate for their stay.

At its March 5 meeting, the Historical Commission voted 4-1 for their removal. The billboards were referred to as “iconic” rather than historic by chair Michael Roughan. He explained there were no documents or photographs proving that the billboards were there for at least 75 years — a requirement for historical designation.

Ed Harrow, chair of the Open Space Preservation Commission, called the billboards’ removal “the end of an era.” He has been a staunch advocate for keeping them, along with Craig Nation, a development team member for the Emerald Drive subdivision, which is being built on adjacent land.

The OSPC is set to receive an open space land donation from the developer, which includes the land on which the signs were located. An article to that effect will be on the warrant for Annual Town Meeting May 6.

Harrow had hoped that the revenue generated from billboard ads could be used by the OSPC. He cited a situation in Holliston where cell towers on the town’s water tank were used to generate funds for that town’s OSPC in the hope that this decision set a precedent for Hopkinton’s potential use.

Added Harrow: “They’re part of the charm of Hopkinton.”

In recent OSPC and Historical Commission meetings, Nation said the billboards were quaint and advocated for them to remain. He often referred to them as landmarks for visitors to town.

In a March 15 email to Nation, Chris Howe, a real estate representative from Clear Channel Outdoor, the company that owns the billboards, asked for a letter from the town indicating that the billboards be removed in accordance with the town’s directive. This led to a March 30 removal date, but due to technical issues and a waterlogged site, the removal happened two days later.

During the Historical Commission meeting, suggestions were made about potential billboard use. One person feared that inappropriate messages

could be posted on them if there were no oversight and cited the current trend of utilizing electronic billboards. Historical Commission members mentioned the potential for using them for advertisements for town events.

The removal of the billboards is the latest in a series of frustrations for the OSPC. Harrow has said in meetings earlier this year that he is concerned that developers don’t approach the OSPC regarding open space conveyance, turning solely to the Planning Board without incorporating the OSPC in the process.

This has happened twice in recent months, with this project and with the conveyance of open space off Whisper Way that will also appear on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant.

“Craig Nation and I, together, mounted what I believe to be a stirring defense of the billboards,” Harrow told the Independent in a March 28 email. “The portion of the subdivision which contain the billboards is destined to become OSPC property, and the Open Space Preservation Commission voted to keep them.

“The Planning Board had previously ruled that, unless deemed historic by the Historical Commission, they had

to go” he continued. “OSPC was not consulted in that decision.”

He added that he and Nation “have documented evidence of their existence in 1938.” However, no picture was produced at the January and March Historical Commission meetings.

In a comment on the Hopkinton Independent website, Nation noted that he had “submitted photographic aerials from 1938” to Roughan. There was an issue during the meeting where the photographs were not displayed. Nation said he showed commission members the picture from his phone.

At the January Historical Commission meeting, Roughan said the billboards’ original date of construction could not be verified, according to his meeting summary video. While residents claimed they have been there since 1950, that narrowly misses the 75-year requirement by one year.

Harrow added he and Nation met with representatives of Clear Channel to discuss the removal process. An advertisement had fallen off of one of the billboards, he noted.

“[O]f them, I can only say how grateful I am that they were supportive of Craig’s and my interest in their billboard,” he stated regarding Clear Channel Outdoor. “And that they have proved men of their word, scheduling the removal of the billboards, at their expense, ASAP.”

He lamented the billboards’ departure for several reasons.

“Besides losing their historic presence, Hopkinton is losing a relatively token amount of income, any possibility of goodwill additional donations for matters of interest to the OSPC, and billboard space at nominal rates ($300) for items of interest to Hopkinton.”

At the OSPC meeting April 4, Harrow said he was able to acquire three steel catwalks at the billboards’ base from Clear Channel. He said they could be used for bridges.

Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) president Morrie Gasser said one piece is 24 feet long, while two others are 12 feet long. He planned to test whether those pieces will be viable for bridge use.

While Gasser said “they are not particularly pretty,” they are skid proof.

This would allow pieces of the billboards to remain a part of the town’s legacy.

The OSPC also discussed potentially having a plaque on the site recognizing the history and significance of the billboards.

Two billboards were taken down and eventually removed from the Hayden Rowe Street property where they stood for many years.

Select Board completes midyear review of police chief

Police chief | from page 1

performance was reviewed, perhaps influenced by the gravity of the April 7 incident. Previously, Bennett’s performance was slammed by Select Board chair Muriel Kramer, who questioned why it has taken him until recently to post two critical leadership positions in the department for hire. At the April 2 meeting, Bennett accused Kramer of having a personal vendetta against him after he sought the termination of former Sgt. Tim Brennan for violating departmental policies. This decision angered some town members who have demanded Brennan’s reinstatement and petitioned for a recall election for all five Select Board members.

This meeting also was different in that Town Manager Norman Khumalo stepped in at the start to direct the conversation. He encouraged board members to stick to the chief’s three goals and eight other performance indicators in his contract. He also noted the town’s goal of “passionate government service” and asked how Bennett exemplified this in his work.

Khumalo added that input was sought from all Select Board members prior to Friday’s meeting regarding their perspectives on Bennett’s achievements and shortcomings. It was directed to the Human Resources Department and included a summary with some context from previous meetings.

Said Khumalo: “What is in front of the board is a compilation of a summary and not a collation of the individual words and statements from all parties identified.”

Recent strengths highlighted

New Human Resources Director Jessica Lewerenz, who sat with Bennett before the board, went through the summary points. She pointed to the creation of a social media team and increased officer engagement at community events as an area where the chief made significant progress. Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch noted that she has observed more active engagement by the HPD on social media but felt that posts should be more frequent and consistent.

A more recent achievement was the addition of several new hires to the force, although this process was slow to start. Once the onboarding process is complete in a couple of months, Lewerenz said the department will have 27 out of 29 positions filled. Training opportunities were called “impressive.”

Member Irfan Nasrullah suggested that Bennett talk with other police chiefs regarding their recruitment efforts to get new ideas. Bennett noted that recruitment is much harder now statewide given smaller candidate pools, but he is willing to consult with colleagues about this and other topics.

Despite that challenge, Bennett said the department has been successful when current officers recruit candidates.

Areas for improvement identified

While onboarding new officers was seen as a strength, members said the focus now should be on officer retention and improving morale. The department’s morale declined during the investigations into the conduct of Brennan and former Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter, who has pleaded not guilty to three counts of child rape his accuser said occurred during his stint as a school

resource officer two decades ago. While Bennett and sergeants stepped up to fill multiple roles, Kramer pointed out that the sergeants told her they felt overworked and under compensated.

Lewerenz noted that the department has been developing a succession plan. Team development is in progress.

Member Mary Jo LaFreniere stressed that promotions need to be based on merit rather than length of service. Personality and knowledge need to be incorporated in these decisions. Bennett added that the new officers have been bonding with one another and have not been afraid to seek advice from their colleagues.

Public relations and communication “need further development,” Lewerenz said, a comment echoed by all five members. Kramer suggested regular updates from Bennett to the Select Board.

One past problem that was raised was that if goals were not met, Select Board members were not apprised of

the reasons why beforehand. This led to communication breakdowns.

Said Bennett: “Understood and agreed.”

Ritterbusch noted that communication can be a “huge challenge” for the police and public officials because Open Meeting Law constrains what information can be shared with the public.

Bennett did not accomplish the goals of instituting officer body camera use, drug and alcohol testing, and completing the accreditation process. Also, the ProPhoenix public safety software system has not been fully implemented. While members conceded the challenges the department has faced, these areas need to be tackled over the next six months.

Kramer repeatedly said she was “disappointed by the lack of action” by Bennett on several initiatives.

After members reflected on different criteria, Khumalo provided a summary of what he heard to ensure

everyone was on the same page regarding the feedback.

“The last two years were very difficult years for all of us,” said Khumalo. “The chief had to deal with those challenges. As a department head, he did report to the board and the public that he had to make some administrative decisions. And some of those decisions have resulted in the delays that have been recounted.”

By the end of the meeting, a more collaborative spirit had emerged. Bennett expressed willingness to work on areas where he previously fell short. In turn, Select Board members will analyze the goals for the next six months and work with Bennett on mutual prioritization. The Human Resources Department will provide assistance as well.

Added Nasrullah: “I think we owe the chief a deliverable on our priorities.”

“I just want to say that, going through this process, I have a better Police chief | 8

Kramer asks pointed questions

At the April 2 meeting, Kramer began her questioning of Bennett by focusing on an employment satisfaction survey. She said better data needed to be kept rather than a simple summary.

She stressed that the department has done admirably in facing its hiring struggles. But she noted that most of the pressure has fallen on the sergeants, who have stepped up and taken on multiple roles.

Kramer peppered Bennett as to why the lieutenant’s position has been vacant since October 2021. She reminded Bennett that he said filling the role was “his priority” in December 2022.

Said Kramer: “What was the lag? What was the gap?”

Bennett mentioned the allegations of child rape made against former Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter, to which Porter pled not guilty in May 2023.

“In January, I learned that a sergeant was implicated in some way in it,” Bennett continued in reference to Brennan.

“As a department head, you have to make thousands of decisions,” he explained. “There are things going on that I can’t tell you right now.”

He added that he would have had to take a uniformed patrol officer out of circulation to make a promotion to lieutenant at a time when the department was short staffed. He inferred that Brennan would have been a candidate for lieutenant, saying that it would have been “counterproductive” to promote someone who potentially could be terminated because of his role in not reporting the allegations made to him by Porter’s accuser.

“Candidly, that doesn’t explain the gap,” Kramer replied. “You needed to promote your officers, who were — and by the way still are — doing an excellent job.”

She referenced the sergeants’ letter expressing lowered confidence in Bennett’s leadership abilities and request for help. She also noted that the community questioned why there has been a hiring gap.

Bennett explained that he has taken on many of the lieutenant’s responsibilities. Kramer noted that the sergeants have filled in there as well.

As Kramer pressed him, Bennett told her that since May 2023, she has been engaging “in a maximum campaign of pressure against me — against the department — in support of your friend [Brennan].”

Stressed Bennett: “It’s becoming extremely uncomfortable.”

At that point, Select Board member Shahidul Mannan intervened. He noted that the last 18 months has been extremely stressful for Hopkinton, particularly for the police department but also for the Select Board. He said it “was only fair” to include that context.

Mannan also mentioned that the Northwestern County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the release of an improperly redacted report that contained identifying information regarding Porter’s accuser on the HPD news blog.

In an April 5 follow-up email to the Independent, Ritterbusch provided additional information about this investigation.

“The DA hopes to conclude the investigation around May 1 and I hope it will bring more clarity to the public,” she stated. “The DA has also contacted the Select Board twice now to ask us to stop investigating and to hand over any investigation Muriel may have done on her own to the DA.”

Mannan added that the midyear review should focus solely on that time period rather than dredging up the past.

Bennett pushes back

Kramer continued to press Bennett about “the gap” in hiring a lieutenant and deputy chief. She said she has not been involved in “a personal campaign” against Bennett, as he alleged.

“There’s been no action on those until I spoke up,” Kramer said later in the meeting about the two open positions.

“I expect to be treated professionally,” Bennett retorted, noting that Kramer never recused herself from discussions about Brennan. “I expect not to be retaliated against because I took action against your friend.”

Bennett stressed that he “made a management decision” to absorb the duties of the lieutenant and deputy chief into his own role. He said he met his goals despite the additional workload.

“I think we’re getting very personal here,” said LaFreniere, calling a point of order.

The decorum of the board unraveled at that point.

“We’re in the middle of two active investigations,” added Nasrullah. “And the answer we’ve just heard is an answer.”

Mannan added that the first step the Select Board told the chief to take was promote the sergeants. But Kramer delayed this process in Sept. 2023, noting that the Select Board hadn’t been involved in the review as required because it is the hiring authority.

Because the sergeants have taken on extra work, Kramer said the Select Board “was complicit in wage theft.”

Said Kramer: “They need to be compensated if they are doing extra work; that’s the bottom line.”

Mannan said things “sound personal” and that board members “were in the dark” about her previous accusations against Bennett. He also added that Kramer called for an independent investigation against Bennett. The DA’s Office requested that an independent investigation be put on hold until it finishes its own investigation.

Nasrullah called for a “timeout” as things got heated.

Switching gears, Kramer mentioned the release of the unredacted Kroll report on the HPD blog. She asked how processes were corrected. Other members stressed that they are not allowed to discuss it because of the DA’s investigation.

She then dropped a bombshell at Bennett, saying that “active duty officers” have complained to her that he is “not regularly available during work hours.”

When Nasrullah said Kramer went outside the boundaries of the review process, her reply was, “I’m done.”

Bennett’s review concluded without a Select Board evaluation of Bennett’s performance. Members appeared agitated, and the board seemed in disarray.

After the meeting, an executive session was scheduled “to consider the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, discipline, or complaints concerning Police Chief Joseph Bennett.” It was not held.

Even as a child, building and repairing things was a passion for Labriola.

“I was forever taking something apart and putting it back together to see how it worked,” he said. “If something was broken, troubleshooting was like a game to me!”

He recalls relatives eventually putting aside broken appliances for him to repair when he visited — “and I loved it!”

“After graduation and working for a few computer repair companies, I owned and operated a company that fixed computers in banks for 18 years. Later I got into property management, but I decided it wasn’t for me,” he said with a laugh. “I like working with my hands. I can’t sit behind a desk very long.”

Steve

lifelong love of repair work led him to launch a handyman business. now residing in Upton and expecting his first grandchild in June of 2024. Building a backyard playhouse is in his summer plans.

Like many who have a true passion for their craft, Labriola finds himself immersed when tinkering with tools. In 2021, with encouragement from his wife, he decided to start his own handyman business.

Lab of All Trades lives up to its name. Labriola can handle household jobs big and small — from hanging a picture, changing a faucet or installing a light fixture, to remodeling a bathroom or rebuilding a deck.

A project he particularly enjoys is building sheds. “They’re fun!” he said, explaining that it can be an opportunity to get creative.

“I worked on one for a couple recently and they asked, ‘Hey, what could you do to really spruce this up?’ I gave them some ideas, and we ended up putting in lights, tongue-in-groove boards on the walls and vinyl floors,” Labriola said with a chuckle. “He sent me a picture of it and said, ‘There’s my tractor’s new home!’ ”

That kind of customer satisfaction is especially rewarding for Labriola. “I love helping people!” he said. “I like to see people smile, it makes me happy.”

It’s one of several aspects he appreciates about having his own business.

“The hours are long, but I like doing what’s right for the customer without having to answer to anyone else about those decisions.”

Many customers are also longtime neighbors. Labriola lived in Hopkinton for 20 years, where he built a house in the mid-1980s and raised two children. He’s

Lab of All Trades is licensed, fully insured and takes pride in being reliable and responsive. Interested individuals can call 508-377-2137 or visit labofalltrades. com to view a gallery of Labriola’s craftsmanship and peruse his list of available services — and, said Labriola, “if you have a project in mind, just ask!”

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

Steve Labriola is a natural born handyman.

Labriola’s

For more information on any of the following programs and other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Many programs require registration. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

Monthly Music & Movement

Wednesday, April 17, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

This month’s children’s concert, sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, is with the Toe Jam Puppet Band. It’s recommended for ages 0-5.

Chat ’n’ Chew Book Club

Wednesday, April 17, 12:30-2 p.m.

Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read this month.

Learn to Draw with Corinne Roberts

Wednesday, April 17, 2-2:45 p.m.

Artist Corinne Roberts will guide participants (recommended ages 6-18) through several drawings during this program, funded by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation. Participants may attend in person at the library (Teen and Children’s Department) or via Zoom. Registration is only required for those attending over Zoom.

World Cultural Interactive Dance Story Time

Wednesday, April 17, 3-3:45 p.m. — Bollywood Friday, April 19, 10:30-11:15 a.m. — Ballet

This program, recommended for Grades 1-5, will be led by Girl Scout Cadette Troop 62495 as part of its Silver Award project.

Author Talk: Xochitl Gonzalez

selling author Xochitl Gonzalez will focus on her newest novel and Reese’s Book Club pick, “Anita de Monte Laughs Last.” Check the library’s website for more information and to register.

Sourdough Starter Workshop with Sourdough Brandon

Thursday, April 18, 6-7:15 p.m.

Attendees will learn how to make, maintain and store a sourdough starter from an expert sourdough baker and food blogger, and leave with some free sourdough starter.

Student Led Chemistry Lab

Saturday, April 20, 2-4 p.m.

Young Scientists of Hopkinton will host a chemistry lab for Grades 3-6. Students will learn about PH and other chemical properties and conduct experiments. This lab is led by high school student volunteers and is limited to 20 participants.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Tuesday, April 23, 2-7 p.m.

Register on the Red Cross website at https:// rcblood.org/3AmuYsP.

Over the Rainbow Book Group

Tuesday, April 23, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

The Over the Rainbow Book Group meets in the Ellsworth Room on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted. This adult book group will explore works of fiction and nonfiction written by LGBTQ+ authors or with LGBTQ+ themes.

Introduction to Neurodiversity for Local Businesses

Monday, April 29, 8-9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, April 17, 8 p.m.

This virtual chat with award-winning and best-

SENIOR SNIPPETS

The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter. com. Anyone with questions can call 508-4979730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Hikes With Lisa

Friday, April 19, 10:30 a.m.

This hike will take place along the Blackstone River, beginning at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge. It’s about 2.5 miles on mostly flat terrain. Lunch will follow at Harry’s Pizza in Whitinsville. Hikes with Lisa will be at a different location on the third Friday of each month. Participants can ride with the group from the Senior Center or take their own car and meet there. Advance registration is required.

Landscaping & Gardening for Wildlife

Monday, April 22, 1-2:30 p.m.

Participants in this Massachusetts Audubon Society program will learn how to support local plant and animal species by utilizing wildlifefriendly gardening practices at home, business and community settings. All attendees will receive a free packet of wildflower seeds to take home.

May Day Tea Cup Flowers

Monday, April 29, 1 p.m.

Members of the Hopkinton Garden Club will

Hopkinton resident and neurodiversity consultant Betsy Johnson will lead an introduction to neurodiversity and autism for local businesses and organizations.

lead participants through a fun tea cup flower arrangement. All materials will be provided. Advance registration is required, and space is limited.

Book Club

Wednesday, May 1, 10:30 a.m.

One of life’s pleasure’s is a good book. Another is having the time to read it. At these monthly meetings, participants are welcome to bring their own refreshments, sit back and relax while enjoying book reviews and socializing. This month’s discussion will be on the book “The Eyre Affair” by Jasper Fforde.

Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center

Thursday, May 2, 1 p.m.

This is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment, or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships. Live music and refreshments usually are offered. This is a joint venture between Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call the Senior Center.

Australia: Above and Below

Wednesday, May 8, 1 p.m.

This program, which is offered in person or via Zoom, looks at the wildlife of Australia, which is truly unique. Attendees will tour through the temperate rainforests of Southern Queensland and the tropical rainforests of the Northeast, the enjoy views from above and below during a visit to the home of “Nemo” and many other beautiful creatures found on the Great Barrier Reef.

How is your retirement income taxed?

Once you’re retired, you will likely need to draw on several types of income for your living expenses. You’ll need to know where these funds are coming from and how much you can count on, but you should also be aware of how this money is taxed — because this knowledge can help you plan and budget for your retirement years.

Here’s the basic tax information on some key sources of retirement income:

• Social Security – Many people don’t realize they may have to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits. Whether your benefits will be taxed depends on how much other taxable income you receive from various sources, such as selfemployment, stock dividends and interest payments. You’ll want to check with your tax advisor to determine whether your income reaches the threshold where your Social Security benefits will be taxed. The lower your total taxable income, the lower the taxes will be on your benefits. The Social Security Administration will not automatically take out taxes from your monthly checks — to have taxes withheld, you will need to fill out Form W-4V (Voluntary Withholding Request). Again, your tax advisor can help you determine the percentage of your benefits you should withhold.

• Retirement accounts – During your working years, you may have contributed to two basic retirement accounts: an IRA and a 401(k) or similar plan (such as a 457(b) plan for state and local government employees or a 403(b) plan for educators and employees of some nonprofits). If you invested in a “traditional” IRA or 401(k) or similar plan, your contributions may have been partially or completely deductible and

your earnings grew on a tax-deferred basis. But when you start taking withdrawals from your traditional IRA or 401(k), the money is considered taxable at your normal income tax rate. However, if you chose the “Roth” option (when available), your contributions were not deductible, but your earnings and withdrawals are tax-free, provided you meet certain conditions.

• Annuities – Many investors use annuities to supplement their retirement income. An annuity is essentially a contract between you and an insurance company in which the insurer pays you an income stream for a given number of years, or for life, in exchange for the premiums you paid. You typically purchase a “qualified” annuity with pre-tax dollars, possibly within a traditional IRA or 401(k), so your premiums may be deductible, and your earnings can grow tax deferred. Once you start taking payouts, the entire amount — your contributions and earnings — are taxable at your individual tax rate. On the other hand, you purchase “non-qualified” annuities with after-tax dollars, so your premiums aren’t deductible, but just like qualified annuities, your earnings grow on a tax-deferred basis. When you take payments, you won’t pay taxes on the principal amounts you invested but the earnings will be taxed as ordinary income.

We’ve looked at some general rules governing different sources of income, but you should consult your tax professional about your specific situation. Ultimately, factors such as your goals, lifestyle and time horizon should drive the decisions you make for your retirement income. Nonetheless, you may want to look for ways to control the taxes that result from your various income pools. And the more you know about how your income is taxed, the fewer unpleasant surprises you may experience.

Mark Freeman

Edward Jones Financial Advisor 77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017

Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com

Ready to clean out the underbrush, spread some mulch and spruce up the lawn? With spring in full bloom, it’s the ideal time to contact Birchwood Landscape and Tree.

Owners Brent Tewksbury and Chris Jorstad worked at the same company for over three decades –Tewksbury managed the landscape division and Jorstad managed the tree department.

“We were executives, so we were on the office side of things,” explained Tewksbury. “The company we worked for was great, but then they sold it to investors.”

That prompted the coworkers to start growing their own business out of Mendon in 2023.

Birchwood offers a full range of landscaping services: seeding, mulching, planting, pruning, spring cleanups, scheduled maintenance, tree work and preservation, irrigation, masonry and even snow plowing.

Tewksbury and Jorstad now spend their days out in the field rather than in the office. Tewksbury’s wife, Michelle, helps with administrative operations for the business.

“We weren’t used to the physical work – we were used to sitting behind desks! It’s been a great thing, though,” said Tewksbury.

Chris Jorstad and Brent Tewksbury bring their combined 70 years of expertise to Birchwood Landscape and Tree, the business they started in Mendon last year.

Another big difference with owning their own company is making their own decisions — including how to best serve their customers.

The partners at Birchwood can advise on a range of topics, such as which plants need what level of sun exposure, or the ideal conditions to promote a lush lawn. With their combined experience and extensive knowledge, they can also recommend services that would benefit the environment and help maintain property value.

Aesthetic appeal is a significant aspect, but, when done properly, “Landscaping isn’t just about beautification; it’s an investment,” noted Tewksbury, explaining that the investment a customer makes with landscaping helps protect their main investment: their home.

Jorstad said the single most important thing homeowners can do to protect their house and property is treetrimming.

“Proper pruning and maintenance of trees is huge,” he emphasized, explaining that failure to maintain the structure of the tree can result in a host of risks: dead limbs can fall and crash through a roof; creeping roots can compromise a home’s foundation; untended overgrowth can invite unwanted critters and cause structural damage.

Many features of landscaping serve a functional purpose, and the tactics employed can either inhibit or foster the desired results – such as removing mulch buildup away from the root flare of trees and shrubs to prevent decay. Tewksbury and Jorstad enjoy sharing this specialized knowledge with their customers, and take time to explain their techniques and the reasons for them.

Delivering professional, quality service with a neighborly touch is a cornerstone value for Birchwood’s owners, who both have deep roots in the area: Tewksbury’s family has lived in Upton and now Mendon for more than 20 years. Jorstad resides in Hopkinton.

To schedule a consultation or book a service with Birchwood Landscape and Tree, call 508-416-9509 or email birchwoodlandscapetree@gmail.com. And consider planting a tree in your yard this Arbor Day, Friday, April 26!

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

174 Spring Street

1 Honeybee Pass

9 Edge Hill Road

117 South Street

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in Hopkinton

$425,000

$1,796,775

$1,610,000

$4,150,000

April 1

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April 5

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James Poe, Douglas Carlson

CS2K Hopkinton LLC

Kathryn Loos, Brian Stanick

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The above are all property sales as recorded by the state and posted in the previous two weeks.

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Woman dies after apparent road rage incident

Destini was taken Thursday night after being struck by a man driving a Honda Civic, according to a preliminary investigation. The driver, Milford resident Ryan Sweatt, 36, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, operating to endanger and a marked lanes violation at an April 6 hearing in Framingham District Court. Sweatt was ordered held without bail until a dangerousness hearing that was scheduled for April 10 but postponed to April 26. It is unclear whether the charges against Sweatt will be upgraded in light of Destini’s death.

Incident under investigation

According to a Boston 25 News report, Sweatt told police at the scene of the incident that “people had surrounded his car, and were yelling they were trying to kill him, and he was trying to get away.”

In that report, police revealed that a knife was recovered at the scene and that a Cornell’s surveillance camera “clearly captured the entire incident.”

According to a statement from the Middlesex County DA’s Office, “The preliminary investigation suggests that Sweatt was operating a Honda Civic on Route 85 in Hopkinton when he became engaged in an apparent road rage incident with another vehicle. At some point, some of the occupants of the other vehicle, including the victim, exited the car. Sweatt subsequently made a U-turn at a high rate of speed and struck the victim in the roadway.”

That account was supported by a witness who was at Cornell’s at the time the incident occurred just outside.

“We knew something was going on, we could tell there was a little road rage going on. … We heard the bumpers scratch,” Brett Martin told media who descended upon the scene the following day.

“[The driver] turned around multiple times, and he could have just kept going. He chose to turn around and come back. He knew what he was doing when he went toward that girl.”

Martin said he ran out and saw the victim after she was struck.

“I saw her midair kind of coming down toward the street,” Martin said, adding: “Her jacket must have been 20 feet away from her. However she got hit, those clothes flew off of her.»

Martin indicated he retrieved Decoff’s jacket and covered her while waiting for first responders.

In a Facebook post April 5, Tracy Decoff described what she had heard about the incident.

“She was in the car with friends when the car behind them was riding their bumper,” she stated.”Car pulled over they got out of the vehicle & that car tried to run them over. They made it the first time then the car turned around again & hit my daughter head-on, throwing her in the air. That car then took off with my baby laying there & the police got him.”

Mother mourns daughter

In a Facebook post after Destini died, her mother wrote, “I know from working in the medical field you are supposed to hold in your emotions. All the doctors, all different types of trauma surgeons were amazing. The anesthesiologist cried with me saying how sorry she was. Those trauma ICU nurses are unmatched by no other!”

She added: “So many of them said we can tell underneath all her injuries she [was] a pretty girl.”

A nurse from Medway who was working at the hospital told Tracy that Destini was popular in Medway, according to a Facebook post, saying, “Medway loves her.”

In a separate post, Tracy Decoff made a final vow to her daughter.

“You know I don’t break promises & i promise you with every ounce of my being I will get justice for you regardless of what it takes!,” she stated. “Go spread those beautiful wings & fly without pain & suffering … as our family says, see ya love ya.”

In response to Destini’s death, Bennett shared information from the Hopkinton Police Department and the Hopkinton Youth & Family Services providing important resources for any members of the public who may have witnessed or had been in the area when this incident occurred on Route 85.

Witnessing, hearing about, or continuous press coverage of a potentially traumatic event in one’s community can have lingering physical and psychological effects.

Hopkinton Youth & Family Services can be reached at 508-497-9781. Anyone experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis — or who knows of someone who might be — is advised to call 800-6405432 to speak to an advocates crisis clinician. Clinicians are available 24 hours a day, every day.

Frederick Conroy

Dependable Home Solutions LLC

Matthew Kouyoumjian, Jessica Kouyoumjian

Michael Kacewicz, Lindsay Lheureux

117 South Owner LLC

PHOTO/DESTINI DECOFF FACEBOOK

Children enjoy outdoors at Miss Tanya’s local summer camp

Miss Tanya’s early childhood education and summer camp programs are tried and true – it was 33 years ago that Tanya Trainor opened the nursery school. Some children who attended then now send their own youngsters to the place that left such positive impressions. In addition to a strong trust in Miss Tanya’s reputation, flexibility in the offerings and the convenient location are other reasons for its longstanding popularity.

Summer camp is a favorite, where most of each day is spent outside, with lots of sand and water activities. One educational philosophy of the school is learning happens through play, especially sensory play. Open-ended art, with a focus on process rather than results, and building and creating using loose parts and items found in nature, are examples of how that is put into practice.

One parent, Ashley Khalife, described her family’s experience. “How you teach the kids to use their imaginations! Anything can become something fun to play with. Joelle has become so much more creative around the house. It has transformed how we approach play structure.”

There are three locations in Westborough to accommodate different ages and schedules. Programs begin the week

of June 10 and run through late August. The Nursery School serves children ages 2.9 to

Each session with its own theme

18 months to 6 years.

On the website is a sum mer program schedule for each school. The options provide flexibility so parents can find something that works for their needs.

Last year saw new staff join the Miss Tanya family, and with them came some fresh ideas. One approach receiving additional emphasis is the Reggio Emelia model, with its focus on the unique needs and interests of students, and viewing them as capable and independent, which builds self-esteem. All the teachers at Miss Tanya’s are experienced and hold professional certification from Massachusetts’ Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

Openings are available for the summer camps. Miss Tanya’s is also accepting registrations for their schoolyear childhood education programs at the three locations. The Woodland facility includes a kindergarten offering for students who miss the public-school cutoff date or need extra time.

For more information, visit misstanya.com, email mtnurseryschool@ gmail.com, or call 508-366-0304.

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

Frustrations shared as UCTC seeks to regroup

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

As the Upper Charles Trail Committee discussed modifications to its charge April 3, some members expressed displeasure about the influence of the Trails Committee over the UCTC’s direction.

Chair Jane Moran stressed that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the UCTC’s scope of work, the process for undertaking that work, and the committee’s composition. The agenda called for the review of three documents — a red-lined version of the UCTC’s charge, the Trails Committee’s draft charge, and a third document prepared by Select Board member Irfan Nasrullah, the UCTC liaison.

Peter LaGoy, the Trails Committee chair, was the only member of the public present at the hybrid meeting. Last year, as a private citizen, LaGoy proposed an Annual Town Meeting article calling for the dismantling the current iteration of the UCTC and reconstituting it as a Trails Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC) subcommittee. (The committee has since changed its name to the Trails Committee.) Although Article 47 passed by a count of 158-61, it was considered

June

nonbinding by town counsel and advisory in nature.

The decision sparked the creation of a survey by the Select Board to gather wider public feedback on the UCTC, but the response rate was very low. In August 2023, the Select Board voted to keep it as a separate committee from the Trails Committee, but it noted that it needed to be restructured.

The UCTC’s meeting privileges were suspended by the Select Board. After a nine-month hiatus, it met on March 20 to discuss its charge and composition, as well as the role of liaisons and alternate members.

Communication breaks down

Moran praised LaGoy for putting “quite a bit of work” into both the UCTC and the Trails Committee’s revised charges. She thanked him for being available at the meeting to answer members’ questions.

LaGoy told the committee that the Select Board’s charge to the UCTC was to review its own charge, not the one for the Trails Committee. In addition, the UCTC was supposed to review comments made about the charge by Nasrullah. Nasrullah was not present at the meeting and has rarely attended UCTC meetings in the past.

“This committee did exactly what you said at our last meeting,” Moran stressed, noting that comments were submitted regarding its charge.

Moran told the committee she had met with LaGoy, Nasrullah, Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus to discuss the UCTC’s future. Moran noted that Lazarus composed the meeting’s agenda with the three documents referenced. LaGoy said the Trails Committee charge should not have been included for UCTC review.

LaGoy said that the UCTC did not have the Trails Committee’s proposed changes to the UCTC’s charge to review at its last meeting nor Nasrullah’s document to consider.

While there appeared to be some confusion on the topic, LaGoy noted that the Trails Committee charge and the UCTC

Frustrations shared as UCTC seeks to regroup

charge both reflect interaction between the committees.

Moran called for a review of the Trails Committee charge first. This move caused consternation among UCTC member Jim Ciriello and vice chair Eric Sonnett.

“I don’t even understand why we’re even talking about these other ones,” Ciriello said, adding that Nasrullah’s document should be reviewed first. “That’s all rubbish. If that is what the Select Board wants, why are we even talking about the other ones?”

“I think, in all fairness, we have a responsibility to discuss this,” said Moran, noting the agenda. “I think it’s very important that we listen to what the folks at the Annual Town Meeting said. The second thing is that we review these documents with a cooperative and collaborative thought process going forward.”

“I’m not going to speak to TCMC’s anything,” said Ciriello. “I’m disgusted by this whole charade. It’s a sham, it’s a travesty, and TCMC has commandeered this whole proceeding.”

Added Ciriello: “I’m offended by the fact that we’ve been besmirched by Peter — the gloves are off — by TCMC, whoever it is.”

Ciriello said he would accept Nasrullah’s suggested document “because it keeps the committees separate.”

Added Sonnett: “I agree with everything that Jim just said.”

Other members refused to comment on the Trails Committee’s charter. Member Scott Knous said it was “out of the scope” of their purview.

More productive interaction sought

Alternate member Jamie Wronka said the Trails Committee charter had “an admirable goal” of the Select Board establishing

trail standards, which would be useful for the UCTC. It also called for one member to serve on both the Trails Committee and the UCTC.

Confusion also arose as to whether the current thinking was that the UCTC should remain independent or become a Trails Committee subcommittee. The Select Board voted that the two should remain separate at an August 2023 meeting.

One issue discussed was a proposal that two-thirds of the members of each committee approve of any proposals regarding funding. Members agreed it would be hard to achieve.

LaGoy said this suggestion was proposed because a couple of years ago, both committees simultaneously applied for MassTrails grants. The UCTC received a grant because it was part of a regional trail system, while the TCMC did not. He believed coordinating applications based on priority would prevent this type of situation from recurring.

Moran told LaGoy he should not use that situation “as a crutch” but continue to pursue grants for the Trails Committee.

Ciriello added that the UCTC charge should not prohibit it from applying for Community Preservation Committee funding.

Knous advocated for the two groups to “have transparency with one another.” He also urged the UCTC to regularly appear on the Select Board’s agenda to increase the connection.

Members also debated the merits of serving staggered or consecutive terms. The majority of members opposed term limits and thought that an officer should be allowed to run for reelection.

The role of liaisons also was stressed. While most members considered the Conservation Commission liaison essential and agreed that there should be a Trails Committee liaison, there was debate over the need for liaisons from other groups such as the Select Board, the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Community Preservation Commission. Ciriello said liaisons should be able to vote. Moran noted that the previous Select Board liaison did not vote to preserve neutrality.

Sonnett pointed out that Nasrullah’s document stated that liaisons should not vote. It also called for a larger committee. He disagreed on both points.

Most members agreed that alternate members should vote if members are absent.

Wronka stressed there should be ways to encourage public feedback in the UCTC charge. If an issue is suggested during the public comment period, it

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 12-yearold Adelaide.

Here is Baypath’s description of Adelaide:

“Meet Adelaide, the adorable senior who captures hearts with her joyful waddle and playful spirit. At about 12 years young, this sweet soul is seeking a loving retirement home where she can continue to flourish. Despite being a late bloomer in outdoor adventures and still perfecting her potty training, Adelaide’s enthusiasm for life shines through. She cherishes lounging in the yard on sunny days and cozying up for TV time, and is always up for a gentle walk in her stroller.

“Adelaide’s past is a mystery, found wandering as a stray. While she may be cautious of new experiences, including inclement weather and leash walking, she’s eager to learn that it’s never too late for new beginnings.

“If Adelaide’s charming demeanor and zest for life resonate with you, don’t hesitate to reach out and make her golden years truly golden.”

For more information about Adelaide 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.

should be placed on the next agenda. After that meeting, a summary should be prepared on how the issue was resolved to ensure transparency.

Moran said she hoped for another meeting where the feedback from this meeting could be synthesized.

ScHoolS School Committee approves reductions to Hopkins project

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

The School Committee on April 4 authorized Vertex to take cost-cutting measures totaling $1,081,000 for the Hopkins addition/renovation project, bringing the current ask to $48,550,000.

Jeff D’Amico, project director from Vertex, said that figure was subject to further reduction once the firm reconciles the work of two estimators in the middle of April. He said the board would get a presentation on the final total on April 25, prior to a public forum on April 30.

Ultimately, the proposal will be put to a vote at Town Meeting in May.

“I appreciate going in and really sharpening pencils and having taxpayers in mind,” chair Nancy Cavanaugh said, “even though they are nice-to-have things.”

“It’s part of the process,” D’Amico responded. “Whenever the number ticks up, we’ve got to make sure to get it back down.”

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich noted that Town Meeting warrant motions are being printed on April 10, so that $48.5 million figure will appear. However, she said it could be adjusted from the Town Meeting floor.

Among the items reduced were changing the operable gym divider from a parti-

tion to a curtain ($332,000), reducing the number of wells in the geothermal field ($156,000), eliminating the under-drain system and the shade structure at the field ($149,000 and $122,000, respectively) and eliminating the specialty surface at the outdoor basketball court ($49,000).

School Committee members asked about the removal of piping for an underdrain system, which was an added level of protection. D’Amico said its absence would mean the field would dry up more slowly. He said a level of crushed stone layer was kept in, and it is an item that could be revisited at the end of the project if funds are available.

“It is an element we could put back and do as we are on our way out the door,” D’Amico said.

Committee members also questioned the gym partition change, but Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said the attached multipurpose room would be a quieter place for children with sensory issues.

D’Amico noted the curtain divider is more commonly used in school districts around the state.

The School Committee also agreed with Vertex’s recommendation to hire WSP as a mechanical, electrical and plumbing commissioning consultant. The approval of $10,241 is only for the design phase, D’Amico said, and it will be taken from last year’s $3 million Town Meeting allocation.

School climate surveys reviewed

In her superintendent’s report, Carol Cavanaugh reviewed some of the findings of a survey given to students, faculty/staff and parents to gauge their thoughts on the school climate.

Among highlights of the 1,745 responses: 87.6% of students in Grades 6-12 agreed or strongly agreed that school rules are fair and consistent, and 82% felt consequences for breaking rules are fair and equitable.

But only 60.6% of faculty and teachers agreed or strongly agreed about the consequences question. Also, that group felt that 67.9% of kids exceeded behavioral expectations.

Carol Cavanaugh talked about how suspensions are reserved now only for students who may harm themselves or others, otherwise “restorative practices” are instituted, per the state.

As a result, the superintendent said educators are seeing more disrespect from students, especially post-COVID. She said the problems are not “deplorable actions” but “little things that feel like a million bee stings. … When you have it 15 times per day, you start to feel it,” the superintendent said.

Committee members expressed concern for teachers and asked what backing could be given to address the problem.

Carol Cavanaugh said the state legislators are acting to stop suspensions entirely. Losing the ability to suspend in extreme instances for safety will be “challenging,” she said.

Member Lori Nickerson questioned how custodial and kitchen staff feel about treatment by students. The superintendent said they did not send in responses despite being given the opportunity.

“It’s heartbreaking they don’t know we think their voice is important,” Carol Cavanaugh said.

“They are the unsung heroes of the building. They see students at their worst,” Nickerson said, adding kids may treat teachers better because “they will impact their futures.”

Student representative Jack Ianelli said he has never seen students leave the lunch line without saying thank you to the cafeteria workers. In general, he sees a positive relationship because “kids are happier at lunch.”

He noted students have less direct contact with custodians, and disrespect may occur by leaving messes around, not thinking “they are making custodians’ lives harder.”

Member Susan Stephenson recommended administrators sit down with these groups and discuss how they are being treated and “get a read on what they are feeling.”

Other results showed 66.2% of faculty and staff feeling trusted by central office administrators. Feedback was that this population did not feel included in changes to curriculum and they wanted to see administrators in their buildings more often.

Carol Cavanaugh said she and Assistant Superintendent Jeff LaBroad tried to be in each building at least once per week, but she would make time to do more.

The overall climate was deemed positive by 90.8% of faculty and staff and 92.9% of students. Also, 94.8% of families feel welcomed at the schools.

Attendance policy to be discussed

At a future meeting, the board will talk about the attendance policy in the wake of COVID exceptions getting eliminated as excused absences.

During the public comment section, parent Ashley Fogg asked that the attendance policy be updated. Two of her three young children exceeded the “unexcused School committee | 18

ScHoolS

HHS scientists recognized for glucose monitoring biosensor

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School juniors Dylan Striek and Anoushka Nair both have family histories of diabetes, and they recognized that glucose monitoring can be costly and inconvenient with painful, invasive blood pricks.

The duo set out to find a scientific solution to the problem. The result was their project entitled, “A Novel Spectrophotometric Approach to Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring for Type II Diabetes Mellitus Using Correlated Electrolyte Concentrations.”

The students’ efforts earned them second place at the school, regional and state science fairs. They also were named one of 300 teams nationwide — five of which were from Massachusetts — as state finalists in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition, earning them a $2,500 Samsung technology prize package.

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest challenges students to create solutions to real problems using STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills.

Ann Woo, head of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, said she was impressed not only by the HHS students’ technical innovation, but also the “empathy” they displayed for people with the condition and their passion for the project.

In addition to the science fairs, the students presented their project at the Eureka! Fest at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and qualified to compete at the National U.S. Invention Convention in June.

“We took a different approach than others — using spectrophotometry to correlate electrolyte and glucose concentration to create a predictive model,” Striek and Nair explained in an email exchange.

They started research in June but completed experimentation from November to January after their testing model, silkworms, had grown to full size. From January to March, they worked on wiring, design and code for their biosensor product.

HHS teacher/science fair coordinator Kristen Murphy praised the pair for their diligence throughout the process, noting the students had to combine chemistry, mathematics and technology to develop

the “very sophisticated” project.

She added it took the duo an “incredible” number of hours of research and work to complete.

“The kids are really committed to their ideas, and it is not a small commitment,” Murphy said.

Striek and Nair enjoyed competing at the various events, noting they liked to see other students’ projects and receive feedback from the judges.

“The best part of the project was probably running the statistical tests on our data, which showed that our model was strong and our project had yielded successful results, validating the months of hard work we had put into running experiments,” Striek and Nair noted.

On the other side, the most challeng ing part was the fact they had not worked with silkworms or spectrophotometry before and there is limited research on inducing diabetes and extracting hemo lymph (silkworm blood).

“It took weeks of trial and error to come up with a scientifically sound and working method to collect sufficient data,” according to the students.

Murphy added that the project has the potential in the future to impact “a huge number of people.”

She said science fair projects are not

all medical-related, but they are designed to tackle a particular problem.

With that in mind, a team of freshmen scientists comprised of Suhani Patni, Hasika Chauhan and Avishka Desai worked to create natural solutions for invasive species.

Patni said she noticed the increase in the tick population. Speaking with a member of the Hopkinton Open Space Conservation Commission, the students took away that global warming and having warmer weather later in the season is causing ticks to “become a huge harm.”

“This concern encouraged me to explore to see if we could find a solution to benefit our community,” Patni said.

The result was design of a tick repellant that is a nonhazardous, wearable device.

Patni said the process over several weeks involved figuring out the needed materials, finding a place to get ticks and ensuring they were safe to use, and collecting data.

The students experimented with the ticks, watching their movements and behaviors and using essential oils to make them scurry away. A hurdle was ensuring the ticks stayed alive while the students Hopkinton High School juniors Dylan Striek and

Hopkinton High School competitors at the state science fair April 5 at Gillette Stadium pose for a group photo.

ScHoolS HHS team answers challenge on ’Quiz Show’

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

The most exciting victory by a Hopkinton High School team this year might have come not on a field or court, but in a television studio.

A team comprised of HHS students Alex Stephan, Abhishek Vijay, Ishan Ramesh and Gwen Parduhn won its opening-round match on GBH’s academic tournament, “High School Quiz Show,” with a thrilling comeback, capped by a buzzer-beating finish.

Hopkinton trailed Andover High School by 30 points with just 10 seconds left in the final round, which consists of rapid-fire questions worth 20 points each (with a 20-point deduction for a wrong answer). The first team to ring in gets to answer.

When the host asked what work by Plato includes the allegory of the cave, Vijay correctly answered “The Republic” as 10 seconds remained in the match.

The final question asked which American saxophonist known as “Yardbird” or “Bird” was associated with the jazz style of be-bop.

Stephan, wearing a “Hopkinton Music” T-shirt, confidently pressed his button with two seconds remaining, and as the buzzer sounded, he answered “Charlie Parker.”

There was a celebratory yell from a member of the audience, and the HHS students beamed and high-fived each other as host Joe Hanson announced that Hopkinton had pulled out a 330-320 victory in a “great game.”

Coach (and HHS history teacher) Mason Challinor said the students knew they were neck-and-neck with Andover but did not realize the enormity of how close the scores were until after the fact.

“The kids were amped up,” he said of their response.

The win earned Hopkinton a date with Mansfield, last season’s secondplace finisher, in the quarterfinals, which aired April 13.

The HHS team’s involvement began with a written quiz at GBH’s Brighton studios back in November, when the Hillers were among 58 teams competing for 17 qualifying slots.

From there, the team was selected to compete against other public and private high schools in the MetroWest region for the Season 15 state championship.

The quiz show consists of four competitive parts — tossup, head-to-head, category and lightning round — where students’ knowledge is tested on questions about geography, history, science,

literature and more. Teams earn and lose points in the fast-paced contest.

The matches air on GBH 2 as well as the station’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/HighSchoolQuizShow).

Challinor explained that the school club meets weekly in the run-up to the event and is comprised of 10-15 members throughout the year. The team alternate is Pranamya Keshkamat,

The club has qualified for the event three times in the past, twice defeated by the eventual winner, Challinor shared.

Challinor explained that the students prepare using trivia questions provided by several companies in bulk. In addition, Challinor tries to figure out the strengths of each student. If he sees a gap, Challinor said he focuses on it during practices.

“The main advice I give them is to be curious,” Challinor said. “In general, ask questions [in class], follow up, and, most importantly, file information away, because it may pop up some day.”

Challinor said he competed in trivia contests in high school and went down “Wikipedia rabbit holes” often.

He also tells the students that he would rather see them lose while being overconfident and aggressive than not.

Each player is allowed free tickets for family members to attend, and Challinor said a few staff members visited the studio in support as well.

He was looking ahead to the next competition — acknowledging Mansfield is a very strong team.

Ramesh, a junior, said while “Jeopardy!” does a good job for older audi-

ences, he wanted to be part of a movement catering to younger viewers.

Although new to Hopkinton, Ramesh described himself as a “passionate quiz bowler” since freshman year, participating in the NAQT High School National Quiz Bowl tournament twice and achieving state rankings in both Virginia and Massachusetts.

He would like to unveil the “secret” of the quiz bowl world and promote it to a broader audience, he noted.

Ramesh thinks the most fun part of the competition is the learning curve, while the most stressful aspect is the struggle to put his finger to the button in time.

With that in mind, his preparation for future competitions includes buzzer practice to improve his reflexes in addition to studying content areas.

Challinor encouraged Parduhn, a senior, to join the club, noticing her enthusiasm for her self-proclaimed favorite subject, history.

“I love trivia, specifically about movies, and thought it would be very cool to be on an actual quiz show,” she noted.

As for her experience at the competition, Parduhn said her favorite part was when she knew a question and answered it. She found waiting for the show to start the most nerve-wracking.

In the meantime, she noted, “I am watching a lot more ‘Jeopardy!’ ”

The show’s championship team will receive a trophy, gold medals, a banner and $1,000 for the school. The runnerup will earn a trophy, silver medals, a banner and $500 for the school.

absences” rule, permitting no more than seven absences in a six-month period. (She asked why exceptions were made for COVID and not other sicknesses prior to the superintendent talking about the change to COVID restrictions.)

Fogg questioned sending sick kids into school with flu, fever, vomiting, strep throat and other respiratory illnesses. She questioned why children staying home for

legitimate illnesses and with doctors’ notes are considered unexcused absences.

Carol Cavanaugh explained the process is for assistant principals to send notes home to parents when there are more than seven unexcused absences, and she acknowledged it is upsetting for some families.

Nickerson asked the topic be put on a future agenda. She asked to clarify whether it is each district instituting the rules or the result of state regulations.

Hopkinton High School’s quiz show competitors (from left), Alex Stephan, Abhishek Vijay, Ishan Ramesh and Gwen Parduhn, pose with coach Mason Challinor.

ScHoolS New school to be named Charleswood

Following a 20-minute discussion at its April 4 meeting, the School Committee voted to name the town’s new elementary school Charleswood, paying tribute to the Charles River, which starts in the area.

SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK

“I like the idea of keeping Charles in the name just because it was popular within the community,” chair Nancy Cavanaugh said during the discussion.

A late suggestion that had some support was Quinobequin, which is the indigenous people’s name for the river.

“If it were easier to pronounce, I did like Quinobequin just because I could imagine folding in elements of native history into the design,” Amanda Fargiano said. “But it is very different from the ones the community put forward.”

Fargiano added that someone also had suggested keeping the Elmwood name.

“We’re creating a new school with three grades,” Fargiano countered. “It is a new beginning, so it seemed appropriate to pick a new name.”

Lori Nickerson noted that Elmwood is located near the corner of Elm Street and

HHS scientists recognized for glucose monitoring biosensor

HHS scientists | from page 17

“To address this, we created humidity chambers as an environment for the ticks to live as we experimented,” Patni said.

She described participating in the science fair as “very educational, fun and motivating,” especially liking the opportunity to see “how deep” other students went in designing their projects.

Murphy noted that the district takes pride in its science fair program, thanking the HPTO and other supporters for funding equipment, chemicals and other materials that make it possible.

“The process and learning is the special part,” Murphy said.

Fair winners

At the March 8 regional fair, two HHS teams earned second-place awards: “An Examination of the Neuromuscular Impact Induced By Hypermagnesemia & Hypocalcemia in Caenorhabditis Elegan Mutants: A Translational Genomic Model for Paralytic Drug Testing” by Srilakshmi Venkatesan, and “A Novel Spectrophotometric Approach to Non-Invasive Blood

Glucose Monitoring for Type II Diabetes Mellitus Using Correlated Electrolyte Concentrations” by Dylan Striek and Anoushka Nair.

Taking third place was “Assessing the Feasibility of Dawsonite Production as a Carbon Sequestration Strategy” by Rylee Blair and Disha Mudenur.

Honorable mentions went to “Autonomous Algal Bloom Control via AI-Regulated Photodynamic Therapy” by Kaizar Rangwala and Pranamya Keshkamat, “Algae Fertilizer: Efficiency and Biosorption of Copper by Chlorella Vulgaris” by Juliet Findlen, and “Advanced Biosignature Detection Model For Finding Extraterrestrial Life using Capillary Electrophoresis” by Garima Chauhan.

At the April 5 state fair at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, six of the eight HHS teams to qualify won prizes. There was a total of 270 projects competing at the fair.

Second-place awards went to Venkatesan, the teams of Nair and Striek, and the team of Keshkamat and Rangwala. Third-place awards went to Findlen and the freshman team of Shrila Maity and Jacob Wu.

Wood Street, while the new school will be on Hayden Rowe Street.

During informal polling, Cavanaugh, Nickerson and Fargiano selected Charleswood as their first choice, while Susan Stephenson preferred Charles. After a motion was made, the vote for Charleswood was unanimous among the four members. Adam Munroe was not at the meeting.

Other names discussed Thursday included Charles Way, River Path, River Way, Charlesbend, Charlespath, Charles Spring, Charles Brook, Charles Rowe, Charlesview, Charles Edge, Rivercrest, Brookview, Brookside, Riverview, Riverwood, Echo Lake and Charles Meadow.

“I know this has created a lot of community interest, and I’m thankful for all those who have shared their ideas with us,” Cavanaugh said.

‘James and the Giant Peach’ at HMS

The Hopkinton Middle School Drama Club will perform the junior version of “James and the Giant Peach” at the HMS auditorium. Shows are scheduled for Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m. both days.

The play is a delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure

in which a boy and his insect friends take an amazing journey across the ocean.

Tickets are $10 for students, $15 for adults and free for Hopkinton Public Schools staff and seniors (65 and older).

Tickets are available at the door as well as online via showtix4u.com/eventdetails/82360

Local collegians shine

Hopkinton’s Nora Drechsler, Chloe Paul and Maeve Watson were named to the dean’s list for the fall semester at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. …

At Ohio University, Lucy Hebert was named to the dean’s list. Hebert is studying in the College of Health Sciences and Professions. …

Jessica Applebaum was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Massachusetts. …

Gabriella Ciri was among 42 University of Scranton students recently inducted into Omega Beta Sigma, the women’s business honor society. Ciri is a sophomore majoring in international business.

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

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.

Spring Cleaning Fundraiser for PJB Underway

The officers of the Project Just Because Student Board are organizing a spring cleaning fundraiser. For a donation to PJB of $100 per hour, a group of five volunteers will help with yard work. The program started April 7 and ends June 16. To reserve a time, visit signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FABA829AAFEC07-48594491-spring#/ or email studentboardpresidents@projectjustbecause.

Friends of Whitehall Spring Cleanup April 20

The Friends of Whitehall’s spring lake and trail cleanup will be held Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m.-noon. Participants will gather at the boat landing parking lot at Whitehall State Park (off Wood Street) and be assigned areas of trails and shoreline. Gloves, trash bags, tools, bug spray and water will be provided, along with coffee, cocoa and doughnuts for volunteers. This cleanup is being done with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, visit friendsofwhitehall.org.

Trails Club Walk at Duck Pond April 21

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a group walk at the Duck Pond Trail on Sunday, April 21, at 1 p.m. This often-overlooked system of trails is located behind the Hopkinton State Park headquarters (where participants should park) on the west side of Cedar Street. The main trail goes over to Duck Pond, off Saddle Hill Road, and other trails form loops that can be followed. The walk covers moderate terrain and will take about two hours. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Emergency Fund Fundraiser April 22

The Hopkinton Emergency Fund will hold a fundraiser on Monday, April 22 (postponed from April 15), from 4-8 p.m. at Blue Square Pizza (30 Main Street). The restaurant will donate 15% of its sales during that time to the nonprofit organization, which provides support for residents in need. For more information, visit hopkintonemergencyfund.org.

HOP Coalition Presents ‘Screenagers’ April 25

The Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) Coalition is sponsoring a virtual presentation of ‘Screenagers: Under The Influence” on Thursday, April 25, from 7-8:30 p.m. The program addresses vaping, drugs and alcohol in the digital age. The presentation will be followed by a session with specialists and community partners who will answer anonymous questions. For more information and to register, visit the HOP website at sites.google.com/hopkintonma.gov/hop-coalition/home.

Mental Health Collaborative Anniversary Gala April 26

Mental Health Collaborative will host its Anniversary Gala on Friday, April 26, from 6-11 p.m. at The Verve Hotel in Natick. MHC will celebrate five years of build-

Blackstone

Event Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Toe Jam Puppet Band Children’s Concert

April 27 | 3 p.m.

Uxbridge neighborhood music school.

Jon Stetson, Mentalist and Comedian

April 26 | 8 p.m.

A five-time White House performer and the inspiration for the CBS TV show “The Mentalist.” There is simply no other audience-interactive performer like Jon Stetson. Known around the globe as America’s Master Mentalist, Jon knows what you’re thinking. No, he does! What is The Stetson Experience? It is a mindblowing, crowd-pleasing, audienceinteractive mix of magic, mind-reading, and amazing mystery, all packaged together and delivered by an engaging and funny comedic personality.

Hey there, folks! We’ve got some exciting news for you. Our dear friends from the Toe Jam Puppet Band are back again at the HCA! That’s right, it’s time to get your groove on and have a blast with this fun family band for kids... and their parents, too! Sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank, this event is not to be missed. So get ready for a toe-tapping, head-bobbing, monkey shine time with Toe Jam Puppet Band! See you there!

Enter Stage Left Youth Theater Presents: Villains School May 3 at 7 p.m. | May 4 & 5 at 3 p.m.

Welcome to The Villains’ Institute for Learning Evil (V.I.L.E.) where all the famous storybook villains go to learn their wicked ways. Like any school, V.I.L.E has its social groups: The Monsters, the Witches, the Convicts, and the Misfits. There are also the Evil Geniuses, who rule the school and are at the top of the food chain. But everything is turned upside down when the smart and talented new student, Frank Stein, shows up and challenges the status quo. Fun for the whole family!

Your Arts Center | Tickets & Details at HopArtsCenter.org

ing resilient communities through mental health education and awareness. Support of MHC allows the organization to reach more teachers, students, parents, coaches, young adults, organizations and communities, spreading vital mental health education far and wide. Attendees will be treated to a three-course dinner, a drink ticket and a night of dancing, with music from Siagel Productions. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit mentalhealthcollaborative.org.

Rang-Holi: Festival of Colors at Weston Nurseries April 28

The South Asian Circle of Hopkinton is hosting Rang-Holi: Festival of Colors on Sunday, April 28, from 2-5 p.m. at Weston Nurseries. (Rain date is May 5.) This year’s event will feature a talented artist from the Boston area who will play the dhol, a folk drum that has origins in the northwestern region of India. There will be food, music and dance, and and children will enjoy playing with colors. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page at fb.me/e/1PMJvVsaYe.

K of C Nite at the Races Fundraiser May 4

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a fundraising event for adults (18 and up) called A Nite at the Races on Saturday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Parish Hall (20 Church Street). Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be eight virtual horse races and 10 grand prize gift drawings. All admission tickets, which are $20 each, are eligible for a door prize. Dinner, snacks and beverages will be available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bishopricekoc.org/events.

Metrowest Symphony Orchestra Concert at HMS May 5

The Metrowest Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Max Hobart, will present a Family Concert on Sunday, May 5, at 2 p.m. in the Hopkinton Middle School auditorium. The concert will feature guest solo clarinetists Thomas Martin (from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops Orchestra) and Kai-Yun Lu (from the Atlantic Symphony). Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12. The concert will benefit Project Just Because, Hopkinton’s food/ home goods nonprofit pantry. For more information, visit metrowestsymphony.org.

Dementia Friends Information Session May 9

Residents of all towns are invited to become a Dementia Friend by attending an informational program at the The Residence at Valley Farm in Ashland on Thursday, May 9, at 3:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the five key dementia messages, the different types of dementia and their impact, what it’s like to live with dementia, and how to interact and communicate with people living with dementia. Resources and support information will be available for care partners. To reserve a spot, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-497-9730. For more information, email sdocknevich@gmail.com.

Team Hoyt Memorial Road Race May 25

The Team Hoyt Memorial Road Race will take place Saturday, May 25, at 10 a.m., starting and finishing at Marathon School (129 Hayden Rowe Street). The event includes a 5-mile race, 2-mile walk and kids fun run, along with a virtual 5-mile run for those who cannot attend. The event also is looking for volunteers. Proceeds benefit the Hoyt Foundation. For more information, visit TeamHoyt.com.

Timlin Event at Hopkinton High School June 15

Registration is open for the 21st annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, which will be held at Hopkinton High School on June 15. The 5K road race and family fun day is a fundraiser for The Angel Fund for ALS Research. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the family fun day activities with live music, food, games, raffles, a silent auction and other activities — including a kids color run — until noon. There also is a virtual option. For more information or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

MBCC Against the Tide at Hopkinton State Park June 15

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host its annual Against the Tide event on Saturday, June 15, at Hopkinton State Park. The event features multiple competitions and recreational activities, including a half-mile or 1-mile swim, a 5K or 10K run and a 3-mile fitness walk. There also will be a virtual component. Proceeds benefit MBCC’s work toward breast cancer prevention, locally and nationally. For more information and to register, visit mbcc.org/swim.

Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month

The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.

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 888-4AL-ANON.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Valley Music: Eagles Tribute Band | April 20 | 8 p.m.

Blackstone Valley Music presents its second of a now annual tribute concert series, An Eagles Tribute, performing the band’s greatest hits and fan favorites as recorded on their iconic albums. Comprised of teachers, staff, and former students from an

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obituarieS

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.

Marion Clover

Marion Clover, 95, died March 23 at Cedarwood Gardens in Franklin. She was the wife of the late George Clover, who died in 2005. Born in Norfolk and raised in Wrentham, she was the daughter of the late Simon and Doris (Ormes) Bennett.

Marion taught kindergarten and preschool in her home in Hopkinton for 39 years. Many people in town fondly remember attending “Mrs. Clover’s” when they were young. When she wasn’t teaching, she enjoyed sewing and arts and crafts.

A graveside service was held April 6 in Evergreen Cemetery, Hopkinton. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home in Hopkinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Virginia Brault

M. Virginia “Ginny” Brault, a beloved Hopkinton piano teacher, choir director and organist, died peacefully on March 29, Good Friday. She was born May 14, 1927, the daughter of the late Clarence G. and Phyllis N. (Arnold) Verdi. A gifted pianist, Ginny opened her piano studio at her home in Hopkinton. Over the years, countless students took piano lessons and participated annually in the National Guild of Piano Teachers auditions. Each summer, Ginny held a recital in Hopkinton to celebrate the year with her students and their families. She also directed several church choirs, including a children’s choir at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Southborough, choirs at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hopkinton, and an adult choir at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Holliston. She also played for countless funerals and weddings in the surrounding area.

She is survived by a large loving family, including her children, Rev. Laurence V. Brault, pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in Upton, daughterin-law Judith Brault of Rochelle Park, New Jersey, Richard and Eileen Brault of York, Main, Joseph and Denise Brault of Milford, Carolyn and Dana Baron of Whitinsville, Thomas and Betty Brault of Upton, and Christine Brault and Ken Mayer of Acton, along with 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard R. Brault, a son, Dr. Peter V. Brault, a grandchild, Stephen R. Brault, her sister, P. Lorraine Riley, and her brother, John A. Verdi.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated April 4 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, Upton, followed by burial in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Westborough.

Donations in Ginny’s memory can be sent to the St. Gabriel’s Building Fund, 151 Mendon Street, Upton, MA 01568.

Funeral arrangements were under the care and direction of the Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home.

Jeffrey Card

Jeffrey John Card, 60, of Hopkinton passed away at his home on Feb. 25. Born in Libertyville, Illinois, he was the son of the late Dorothy (Spangenberg) and Raymond Card.

Jeff graduated from Mundelein High School, where he was senior class president in 1982. After receiving a B.A. from Boston College and an

MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jeff became a successful financial executive. He started his career at Price Waterhouse Coopers in Boston and quickly rose to become a partner in its transaction services practice, before he served as the CFO of Pinnacle Holdings in Sarasota, Florida. He finished his career back in Boston as a partner in Ernst & Young’s transaction advisory services. A longtime collector of coins and stamps, when he was not working, Jeff also enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

Jeff is survived by his children, Benjamin, Nathaniel and Marguerite; his brother, Greg and wife Lisa and sons Harry, Trevor and Louis; and his sister, Meg and husband Dave and daughter Julia.

Funeral arrangements were held privately and were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Patricia Ozols

Patricia Marie (Danahy)

Ozols, 80, a lifelong resident of Hopkinton, died March 28 at Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center in Natick. She passed away peacefully with family at her side.

Pat was born in 1943 to Helen (Smith) Danahy and Raymond Danahy. She grew up on Grove Street and was a 1961 graduate of Hopkinton High School. In 1965, she married classmate Uldis “Odie” Ozols, to whom she remained married for more than 58 years.

A devoted nurse, Pat attended the Saint Vincent Hospital School of Nursing in Worcester and received her LPN certification in 1965. She spent much of her career working with her beloved Sisters of St. Joseph at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham. She was outgoing, playful, curious, stubborn and kind. She loved her family, her friends, her pets, her country, the English language, fresh air, Broadway musicals, poems, crossword puzzles, the Boston Red Sox and Alex Trebek. She hated wearing hats. She chose to see the good in everyone, and she will be greatly missed.

In addition to her husband, Pat is survived by three daughters, Kristin Burg of Upton, Diana May of Milford, and Amy Ozols of New York City, as well as four grandchildren, one great-grandson, and her three loving brothers, Michael Danahy of Oxford, Mississippi, Raymond Danahy of Brevard, North Carolina, and John Danahy of Winchester, New Hampshire.

Following cremation, burial will take place at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Pat’s memory be made to Bethany Health Care Center (bethanyhealthcare.org) or the Mary Ann Morse Employee Fund (maryannmorse.org).

Patricia Travis

Patricia L. (Howland) Travis, 88, a longtime Hopkinton and Framingham resident, died March 31 after a period of declining health. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Thomas F. & Adele M. (Homer) Howland and the beloved wife of the late Robert K. Travis.

Pat was a 1954 graduate of Framingham High School and married the loved of her life, Bob, just a year later. Once children came along, Pat stayed home to run the household. As their children got older, she worked at the former Zayre and Mammoth Mart. She and Bob retired and moved to Florida, where they enjoyed the sunshine and warmer weather for 15 years before returning to Massachusetts to help care for her father, Tom. Upon returning from Florida, Pat and Bob were active members of the First Baptist Church of Framingham and lived at Hastings House in Framingham, where they met many wonderful and caring people.

Pat was a talented seamstress and loved to knit. She seemed to always have a pair of knitting needles in her hands. Her children, and grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many newborns were the beneficiary of her talents in the forms of hats, blankets, sweaters and slippers. For several years, she made hats for the Hopkinton High School football teams for which her sons David and Peter played. The item later became affectionately known as “Pat Hat.”

Pat is survived by her children, Donny and wife Kim of Caroga Lake, New York, David and wife Maureen of Sanford, North Carolina, Diane Smith and husband Karl of St. Albans, Maine, and Peter and wife Silvia of Northborough, 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, her siblings Ronald Howland, Alice Bartlett and Cathy Marquell, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Bob, Pat was predeceased by her siblings Barbara Antonio and Thomas “Bud” and Robert Howland.

A visitation was held in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home in Framingham on April 6, followed by a funeral service. Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Pat’s name to: Perkins School for the Blind (perkins.org) or to the Callahan Center/Senior Services, 535 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702.

Virginia Potenza

Virginia “Dinny” Potenza, 77, of Hopkinton passed on peacefully surrounded by her family on March 29. Born and raised in Torrington, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Virginia (Karpetska) and Mitchell Alibozak. She was the beloved wife of Armand Potenza for over 53 years.

Dinny grew up in Torrington and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Connecticut. After graduation, she taught home economics in middle school. She was an active volunteer with a local church, working with her husband as advisors to a high school youth fellowship group and the Futurity House volunteers who made weekly visits to inmates at a drug rehab program that included a live-in day as an inmate for volunteers. Dinny relocated to the Hopkinton area in 1976. As the children’s librarian at the Hopkinton Public Library for 10 years, her engaging story hours, followed by imaginative craft projects tailored to the readings, impacted the early learning years of thousands of Hopkinton children. She belonged to the Whitehall Artisans and excelled in the local art community, leveraging her unique approach to basket weaving that incorporated local, natural elements into her work. She also taught basket weaving to elementary students as a volunteer, conducted classes in her home, and taught a class for women inmates at MCI Framing-

57 Hayden Rowe Street

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508-435-6444

854 Washington Street

Holliston, MA 01746

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Obituaries | 22

obituarieS

ham. Along with her dear friends Carol Mecagni, Ann Horton and Suzanne Gillam, she facilitated a summer arts program for children that encouraged attendees to showcase and hone their artistic talents. She explored and displayed her creative talents through a wide variety of artistic pursuits, including watercolor painting, Chinese brush painting, chair caning, scherenschnitte, jewelry making, pottery, paper lamp shade cutting, ikebana and haiku poetry.

On the physical side, Dinny devotedly studied and practiced tai chi and qigong, progressing to the level of being a backup teacher for Jeanne Friswell and Robin Natanel. Tai chi led her to exploring reiki, skin tapping and meditation, all of which became important parts of her life and expanded her world view. And she loved her time learning to tap dance with Rebecca Tredeau at the Senior Center and continuing on Zoom during COVID. Nothing was going to stop that crew.

Dinny helped create a permanent gift to the town by chairing a committee of Hopkinton women who created a

historical quilt over a three-year period from 1985-88. The quilt is on permanent display in the public hearing room at Town Hall. Her name appears just under the last letter in the word “Hopkinton.” And note the picture of Town Hall to the upper left of the seal. That is Dinny’s square. At the Senior Center, she volunteered her services to continue the work of Carol Walsh, the retired town librarian, by maintaining a library inside the Senior Center with the help of Russ Ellsworth, whose mother was the director of the town library from 1972-91.

In addition to her husband, Dinny is survived by two sons, Christopher Potenza of Hopkinton and Matthew Potenza and wife Catherine of Sterling. She also leaves behind her niece, Tammy Gallo and children Spencer and Mikaela; her nephew, Mitchell L. Alibozak and wife Katherine and children Everett and Isla; several cousins in the Torrington area; as well as four grandchildren, Jessica, Jasmine, Madelyn and Vincent. She is predeceased by her brother, Mitchell “Bill” Alibozak. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, from 3-7 p.m. at Chesmore

Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe Street. A funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Westborough, 57 West Main Street, Westborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors, 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Robert Morris

Robert William Morris, 86, of Hopkinton passed away at his home, surrounded by his family after a lengthy health battle, on April 8. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Viola (Pielstick) and Chester Morris. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Painter) Morris, to whom he just celebrated 63 years of marriage on March 11.

Bob was inducted into the Coast Guard Reserve during the Korean War. He worked for the Hoover/Maytag Corporation in sales for 43 years. He was truly the patriarch of our family. He was affectionately known as “Poppa Bear” or “Pops.” He was known as a fierce competitor and loved conquering a great challenge. He carried this winning approach throughout his life, whether it was playing baseball in his youth, garnering scouting looks from Major League Baseball teams, grabbing a certificate fishing for the largest or longest catch, mastering the stock market like a CNBC analyst, elaborate egg hunts, dive contests and countless memories with “Pop.” He was a force well into his 80s, and phrases like “Pop can fix it” were said almost daily. Bob loved hosting anything and everything with the love of his life, Dorothy “Merzie,” at his home in Hopkinton, where friends were always considered family. Nothing brought more pleasure to Bob “Pop” than a full house filled with love, laughter and cheer. He had a sparkle in his eye and a smile on his face enjoying what he considered to be life’s precious gift, his family. He will be deeply missed, remembered and cherished by family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by his six children, Renee “Cookie” Canonica, Andrea Rowe and husband Alan, Robert William Morris Jr. and wife Julie, Darin Keith Morris, Nicole Tighe and husband John, and Danelle Foley and husband Jay. He also leaves behind

his sister, Lillian Traultfelter; grandchildren, Ashlyn Dimanno (Matthew), Bailey Faradie (Dana), Jack Tighe (Jess), twins Jordan and Blake Rowe (fiance Adam Faletsky), Bridget Tighe, Timmy Tighe, Camden Rowe, Connor Foley, Maclain Tighe and Brittin Foley; and six greatgrandchildren, Aidden Morrell, Parker and Olivia Dimanno, Brooks and Ty Faradie, and Harper Tighe.

A funeral Mass was celebrated April 12 at Saint John the Evangelist Church of Hopkinton, followed by burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. Services were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stella Project (projectstella.net).

Jessica Duplessie

It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of Jessica L Duplessie (nee Boelsen) after a long battle with cancer, which came to a peaceful end March 29. She was a remarkable woman known for her radiant spirit, sharp wit and immense love for her family and friends. Born Sept. 23, 1970, in Hopkinton, she went through the Hopkinton school system, graduating in 1988.

Jessica was a lover of life and sought to experience all it had to offer, casting her net wide in her favorite vacation spots — anywhere and everywhere. Her warm and polite nature, combined with her intelligence and profound beauty, lit up any room she entered. She had a knack for being present and making others feel seen and heard, a trait that added to her charm.

One of her greatest accomplishments, as she often said, was her children. Their success and happiness were her greatest pride. Beyond her immediate family, Jessica also demonstrated her caring and generous nature through her support for various causes, focusing on children, and her extended family and friends.

A memorial service to honor Jessica will be held April 20 at noon at Ginley Funeral Home in Franklin.

Jessica taught us how to love unconditionally, live fully and leave a legacy of kindness. Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her spirit and love will continue to live on in those who were fortunate enough to know her.

SportS

Veteran captains bring ‘pride’ to Hillers boys lacrosse

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School’s boys lacrosse program has enjoyed increasing success over the past couple of seasons, despite having a relatively young team. This year, coach Dan Norton’s squad is still young in spots but has a quartet of experienced senior captains leading the way.

“It’s a really hard-working group,” Norton said. “I think the senior leaders that we have are great. This team has been together for a few years, and this group has really helped bring the program back since the pandemic.”

The captains have made an impression on Norton early on.

“This team practices very hard and competes,” he said. “Just the way the guys take the field at practice has been huge each time we are out there, because of our captains. We are pushing to get better each and every day.”

Defensemen Wyatt Iantosca and Jack Provencher, midfielder John Sanda and attacker Logan DelPonte are the captains, and each of them brings a significant amount to the field.

Norton described Iantosca and Provencher as “carbon copies of each other.”

“They are both tall. Wyatt has excellent stick skill, throws really good checks, he plays with physicality and very good technique,” Norton said. “Jack is a very rangy, athletic kid with a good stick. They push the ball in transition and they hang out and play a little offense with the long pole.”

Iantosca is planning to continue his lacrosse career next season at Endicott College.

In the midfield, Sanda is strong on both offense and defense.

“He is kind of like our lunch pail kind of guy,” Norton said. “He doesn’t always get a ton of credit for the things he does, they don’t show top in the stat sheet, but he impacts the game greatly at the midfield position.”

As for DelPonte, he is the team’s “fiery leader,” his coach said.

“In addition to being an excellent lacrosse player, he is one of the best true leaders that I have ever had the pleasure to coach,” Norton said. “He is a perfect mix of building guys up and also push-

COULD YOU SAY THAT AGAIN?

Jack Provencher returns to anchor the HHS defense.

ing them. Guys on the team love him. He demands a lot of his teammates, and he demands a lot of himself.”

All four captains also are doing a significant amount of work to help out with the town’s youth lacrosse program, which Norton noted is a big part of the team’s philosophy. The combination of hard work in practice and the focus on youth development makes Norton a “very happy coach.”

“I am just really excited to have this team continue to get better and better and reach our full potential,” he said. “There is a good nucleus of leaders, and it’s a great group of kids that is helping to bring pride in the program back in school, in the community and, hopefully, on the field as we continue to improve.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mandatory State of Water Supply Conservation

The Director of Public Works declares a Mandatory State of Water Supply Conservation, effective May 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024, for all customers connected to the municipal water system. This Mandatory Action is required by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Final Water Management Act Permit and by Hopkinton’s Town Bylaws, Chapter 199, Article II, Section 199-6: Restricted Water Uses.

Watering lawns, including the use of lawn sprinklers, is allowed for up to two days per week, before 7:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. All other non-essential use is permitted daily before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. The following table details when residents may water their lawns based on the voting precinct in which they live:

Precinct1 TuesdaysandThursdays

Precinct 1 Tuesdays and ursdays

Precinct2 WednesdaysandFridays

Precinct 2 Wednesdays and Fridays

Precinct3 TuesdaysandThursdays

Precinct 3 Tuesdays and ursdays

Precinct4 WednesdaysandFridays

Precinct 4 Wednesdays and Fridays

Precinct5 WednesdaysandFridays

Precinct 5 Wednesdays and Fridays

WateringlawnsisprohibitedonSaturdays,Sundays,andMondays.

ThefollowingpenaltiesapplytoviolationsofthisMandatoryStateofWaterSupplyConservation:

● Firstoffense–writtenwarning

● Secondoffense-$100fine

● Thirdoffenseandbeyond–waterservicemaybesuspended

MoreinformationonthisMandatoryActionisavailableat www.hopkintonma.gov

TheDepartmentofPublicWorksappreciatesyourobservationofthisMandatoryAction.

Sincerely,

KerryA.Reed,P.E.

DirectorofPublicWorks

SportS

DelPonte scored five goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as Hopkinton beat Westwood for the first time since 2019 with an 11-10 victory April 8. “Logan has done a great job obviously as a player, but what we are most proud of is how he has channeled his intensity into being an excellent leader for our program,” coach Dan Norton shared. “Practice, warmups and games, he is giving his all each time he steps onto the field. Full tilt, full-time.”

A Tri-Valley League All-Star last season after posting a record of 13-3, Tewari plays No. 3 singles and is a captain for the Hillers. Coach Lyn Calkins call her a “steady counterpuncher.” “She’s physically and mentally tough and is willing to stay in a point as long as necessary to win it,” Calkins shared. “Both on and off the court, Roma is a dedicated leader of our team and exemplifies all the qualities we seek in a Hiller student-athlete.”

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With new coach, HHS girls lax looks to establish positive culture

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

First-year coach Marisa Remley leads a Hopkinton High School girls lacrosse team that features a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented freshmen, and Remley said she is impressed with her new squad.

As we have continued to play, the chemistry is getting there. It’s not just a big group of returning seniors, they have had to figure each other out. And, once it’s there, they are going to be unstoppable.

— Coach

Marisa Remley

younger girls and she is a real leader, you can tell they are looking up to her.”

“We are looking good,” she said. “We had a ton of freshmen come out, but we also have some really good leaders out there.”

The Hillers bring back most of their defense from a team that qualified for the tournament a season ago. Katie Balster and Sophia DellaCioppa are two of the team’s captains and will help anchor that side of the field. Hopkinton’s third captain, junior Rachel Bouvier, is back in the midfield and drew rave reviews from Remley.

“She is phenomenal at the draw, and her knowledge of the game in general is excellent,” the coach said. “She is kind of like our quarterback out there on the field. She is able to direct some of our

Bouvier is joined in the midfield by sophomore Abby Burke, who Remley described as “an incredibly wellrounded player.”

“She is always positive, she locks down on defense and she can take the draw, and her stick skills are excellent,” Remley said.

Hopkinton also features a number of freshmen in key roles this spring. Avery Quebec and Lucie Mato are two first-year players who will see time on the attack, and Remley said they are both “hungry” to learn.

Freshman Dylan Norred joins junior Lila Mato in a goalie rotation. Norred has played the position throughout her Girls

HHS Athlete Spotlight

Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.

Logan DelPonte Boys Lacrosse Senior

Roma Tewari Girls Tennis Senior

Laura Wauters REALTOR®

SportS

Abbott returns to Hopkinton lacrosse

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Will Abbott, a former multisport star at Hopkinton High School and collegiate lacrosse player, is looking to help develop the next generation of local athletes as a coach with the Hopkinton youth lacrosse program.

Abbott, 23, played for HHS lacrosse coach Dan Norton until graduating in 2018 and moving to the college level at Quinnipiac. Abbott played four years with the Bobcats before playing a fifth season at UMass Amherst, but he never strayed far from his hometown team.

“Throughout high school and some of the summers in college, I helped Dan out with his clinics and I enjoyed doing it,” said Abbott, adding that he never really considered getting into coaching before this year.

“It’s been good, I would say that I am enjoying it,” he said. “The kids are fun to work with, and it is definitely cool to see some of the improvements as we go.”

He has been watching his youth players develop their ability in a sport that is replete with different skills, many of which are unique to the sport.

“I can really see the kids improving as we go along,” Abbott said. “But also,

with some of the kids, it’s great to see that they are enjoying playing, that they are having fun out there.”

Abbott is working with fifth and sixth graders in town. He also is coaching fourth graders at the club lacrosse level. He said there are not too many differences between the relatively close age groups, and he is looking to impart some of the knowledge he gained from his time playing collegiate lacrosse.

“When I landed in college, I learned to really hammer down on the fundamentals,” he said. “It’s a super important part of the game. When I am coaching, I try to have a team focus and let the kids own the fundamentals. The simple parts of the game are actually the most important.”

A midfielder at the high school and college levels, Abbott graduated from UMass with a master’s degree in business analysis and is in the market for a job in that field.

It remains to be seen whether he will make coaching a significant part of his future in the sport, but it’s something he’s open to pursuing.

“I just finished college and I have been looking for a job in my field, so it’s hard to say, as of right now,” Abbot said. “But coaching is definitely something I enjoy.”

youth career, while Mato took on the role of junior varsity goalie last season and is stepping up to the varsity gig this year.

Remley said the freshmen have handled the transition to the varsity game in stride.

“They just love the game and they are excited to be out here and make the most of the opportunities they get,” she said. “As we have continued to play, the chemistry is getting there. It’s not just a big group of returning seniors, they have had to figure each other out. And, once it’s there, they are going to be unstoppable.”

Remley is hoping to see her team contend in the Tri-Valley League, but

she said she mostly wants to build a culture of positivity, respect and support for one another during her first season. A graduate of Western Connecticut, where she played lacrosse, Remley started her coaching career at her alma mater as a volunteer assistant. She spent some time coaching high school lacrosse in Connecticut before moving to Massachusetts last year and starting work at Hopkinton High School in January.

“I love the game, and it’s given me a lot, so I just love any chance I have to spread that love to the next generation,” Remley said. “I’m just super appreciative of the opportunity to coach at Hopkinton. They’re an incredible group of girls, both on and off the field. I’m lucky to be their coach.”

PHOTO/ROB RASMUSSEN/QUINNIPIAC ATHLETICS

Will Abbott had a stellar collegiate career at Quinnipiac and UMass.

Girls lax | from page 24

ARRESTS

March 30

8:57 p.m. A caller reported a woman in a broken-down vehicle in a West Elm Street parking lot who asked for an officer’s help. Sergeant Gregg DeBoer and Officers Cody Normandin and Nicholas Saletnik responded and subsequently arrested a 52-year-old Worcester man on a warrant and also charged him with receiving stolen property worth more than $1,200.

March 31

6:10 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik was flagged down on Wood Street about an erratic operator. Officer Shannon Beloin responded, located the vehicle and subsequently arrested a 35-year-old from Milford and charged him with OUI liquor.

April 4

6:12 p.m. A caller reported a female was struck by a car on Hayden Rowe Street and was unconscious and breathing. Multiple officers responded and the State Police were requested, and the victim was transported to the hospital. The suspect was stopped by Milford officers. A 36-year-old man from Milford was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, serious bodily injury, marked lanes operation and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

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

March 26

8:51 a.m. Officer Brian Ziniti responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Hayden Rowe Street. No personal injuries were reported. One vehicle was towed.

11:01 a.m. A Blueberry Lane resident reported receiving a call from someone saying he was calling on behalf of NSTAR Electric, and crews were going to be removing the resident’s meter. The caller called NSTAR and learned that there was no such work scheduled. The suspicious incident was logged.

11:55 a.m. A caller reported a dead tree leaning on Verizon wires on Pond Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and notified Verizon.

2:11 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on South Street. No personal injuries were reported.

5:42 p.m. An Ash Street caller complained of a dog in the neighborhood that barks at all hours of the night. The animal control officer was notified and was to stop by the residence the following day.

March 27

8:25 a.m. A caller reported a school bus was stuck on Angelo Drive. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded, and the bus was gone upon his arrival.

9:08 a.m. A motorist reported a disabled motor vehicle in the intersection of School Street and West Main Street. Officer Robert Ekross and Sergeant Arthur Schofield assisted, and the vehicle was towed.

8:08 p.m. A driver reported a vehicle hit her vehicle in a Hayden Rowe Street parking lot. Sergeant Matthew Santoro responded and took a crash report.

8:18 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle speeding up and down Daniel Shays Road six times. Officer Robert Ekross responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

March 28

11:44 a.m. An employee at a Wood Street day care reported a speeding mail truck. Officer Nicholas Walker spoke with the caller and the post office and was to speak to the driver.

5:38 p.m. A caller complained about vehicles frequently driving through the Legacy Farms intersection without stopping at the stop sign. The complaint was logged.

6:32 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a stone wall on Pond Street. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and reported the vehicle hit the stone marker in the middle of the intersection. A tow truck removed one vehicle. The DPW was notified of the damage. Officer Beloin took a crash report.

9:37 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin came across a disabled motor vehicle on Main Street that had hit a curb, which resulted in two flat tires. A tow truck was en route.

March 29

11:18 a.m. A caller reported a dog was attacking a person in a Mayhew Street parking lot. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officers Noah Buentello and Nicholas Walker responded, returned the dog home and secured the unsecured door.

6:33 p.m. A caller reported a dog roaming on Wood Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

March 30

8:54 a.m. A referee at the Fruit Street fields reported the bathrooms were locked and a soccer tournament was taking place for the day. A Parks & Recreation staff member was contacted and responded to unlock the doors.

9:31 a.m. A caller reported a pit bull mix roaming around backyards on Walcott Street. The animal control officer was notified.

11:01 a.m. The animal control officer reported receiving ongoing complaints about a barking dog on Mount Auburn Street. He responded but did not hear the dog barking.

12:42 p.m. A caller complained of a very loud motorcycle speeding up and down Downey Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded, located the motorcycle and notified the driver of the noise complaint.

8:46 p.m. A caller reported her car had a flat tire and scuffed rim due to hitting a pothole on Main Street. Sergeant Gregg DeBoer responded, took a report and left a message for the DPW.

March 31

2:56 a.m. Officer Tyler Staback responded along with the Fire Department to a report of the inside odor of natural gas at a Rocky Woods Road residence.

9:24 a.m. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted the Worcester Police Department with notifying a Nicholas Road resident of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident. Officer Beloin passed on the message.

3:57 p.m. A Revolutionary Way caller reported her son left the front door open and her 3-year-old child walked out. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Shannon Beloin responded, searched the area and found the child. A report was to follow.

April 1

2:37 p.m. A caller reported that when she arrived at work at St. John’s on Church Street, she found a motorized wheelchair with a bag containing a carton of cigarettes on it. She brought it inside to protect it from the weather, and she was to put it back outside when she left for the day.

8:42 p.m. Officers Nicholas Walker and Cody Normandin came across a motor vehicle accident on Main Street and reported no injuries. A tow truck removed one vehicle.

April 2

12:23 a.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik reported vandalism at the former Center School on Ash Street, where he found the rear gym door open and lights on.

4:46 p.m. A caller reported a dog was hit by a car on West Main Street. Officers Robert Ekross and Cody Normandin responded and reported the dog died. Officers used the number on the dog’s collar to notify the owner.

7:16 p.m. A caller reported a kayak trailer in the roadway on Clinton Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded and moved the trailer to the side of the road.

April 3

7:55 a.m. A DPW employee reported a problem with the traffic lights at Main Street not cycling properly. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and found them operating correctly.

1:23 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker assisted a vehicle that ran out of gas and was in a dangerous spot on West Main Street.

2:28 p.m. A Walcott Valley Drive resident reported a neighbor was yelling at her and struck her vehicle with her fist. Sergeants Matthew McNeil and Scott van Raalten and Officers Augusto Diaz and Noah Buentello responded and advised both parties to stay away from each other.

April 4

12:30 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley came across a disabled motor vehicle with a deployed airbag on Ash Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield requested an evaluation of the driver, who subsequently was provided a courtesy transport home. The vehicle was towed.

5:53 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell on Clinton Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Brennan Grimley and Tyler Staback responded along with the DPW.

10:36 a.m. A caller reported a tree limb fell on a Cedar Street house. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and removed the limb. No damage was reported.

5:54 p.m. A FedEx walk-in reported he was bitten by a dog. Officer Matthew LaTour assisted and left a message for the animal control officer.

April 5

6:59 a.m. A motorist reported she struck a deer on West Main Street, resulting in significant damage to her vehicle. Officer Noah Buentello responded, viewed the damage and took a crash report. No personal injuries were reported. The deer ran off.

10:58 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving two vehicles and took a crash report.

12:28 p.m. A Pinecrest Village resident reported she fell and needed assistance. Officer Noah Buentello responded along with an ambulance.

5:25 p.m. An Ash Street caller reported she heard Police Log | 27

Police Log | from page 26

youths breaking things in the former Center School. Officers Cody Normandin and Nicholas Saletnik responded and reported teens broke into the building and fled from officers down the street. Officers caught up with the juveniles and transported them back to their residences. The DPW and facilities crew were contacted for cleanup and securing the building. A commercial breaking and entering incident report was taken.

9:22 p.m. A caller reported when driving on Granite Street, he blew out a tire in a large pothole. Officer Cody Normandin responded and could not locate the pothole. The DPW was notified.

10:26 p.m. A caller from a previous call reported a tow truck driver on Benson Road became belligerent and was yelling at him, and he requested assistance. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded. The tow truck operator decided to leave, and another company was called.

11:04 p.m. A Holt Street resident reported her car was missing. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Sean McKeon and Tyler Stabach responded and took a report.

April 6

6:51 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin responded to a report of a lamp pole on fire on West Main Street, where wires fell.

8:15 p.m. A caller reported a person in a black Honda Pilot speeding up and down Meserve Street and yelling out the window. Officers Noah Buentello and Cody Normandin responded, and the vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

11:52 p.m. A Nazneen Circle caller reported juveniles ringing doorbells and running away in the neighborhood. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Sean McKeon responded and searched for two male teens with a negative find.

April 7

12:45 a.m. Officer Tyler Staback reported one of the small back windows of an Ash Street building was broken and it appeared an object was thrown through it. A message was left for maintenance for it to be boarded up.

7:52 a.m. A caller reported an exposed plate from construction in the roadway of Fruit Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and contacted the contractor. In the meantime, Officer Saletnik placed a cone over the plate.

1:10 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti reported a board was removed from an Ash Street building. Nobody was inside the building.

5:40 p.m. A Lumber Street caller reported a 12-year-old neighbor who was walking his dog was approached by two suspicious white males wearing hoodies, who asked him questions. Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the house and property and found all secure. He was to make further checks throughout the night.

7:00 p.m. A caller reported two white males arguing around a vehicle, one inside and the other outside the vehicle, on Main Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Noah Buentello responded and checked the area with a negative find.

8:52 p.m. A caller requested a well-being check of a male driver in a black BMW nodding off. Officer Robert Ekross located the vehicle, and the driver checked out OK.

April 8

8:55 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Walker responded to a motor vehicle crash on Elm Street. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck removed one vehicle.

11:36 a.m. A caller complained about construction workers taking up parking spots on Main Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and reported they were going to move their vehicles.

12:58 p.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield assisted the MSPCA by attempting to contact a Teresa Road resident.

1:11 p.m. A walk-in reported his package was delivered to the wrong address, and the receiver denies receiving the package. Officer Nicholas Walker attempted to make contact with the individual and subsequently took a report.

1:40 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik notified Eversource of a tree limb on wires on Winter Street.

3:50 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street and took a report.

4:10 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker responded along with the Fire Department to investigate a report of a strong odor in an Elmwood School classroom.

5:24 p.m. Officers Cody Normandin and Nicholas Walker responded to a motor vehicle accident on Main Street involving four cars. No personal injuries were reported.

10:50 p.m. A caller reported a dog barking for over 45 minutes on Church Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and found all quiet.

Porter’s trial start date postponed to Dec. 9

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Former Hopkinton Police Department Deputy John “Jay” Porter appeared March 28 in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn for a 10-minute status conference review hearing. But because the judge who previously presided over the case was not returning to court until the following week, both attorneys agreed to reschedule the review to May 13 at 2 p.m. because of his familiarity with the case.

In light of the delay, Judge Laurence D. Pierce rescheduled Porter’s jury trial to Dec. 9 from Sept. 16 at the request of both attorneys, with a trial readiness conference to take place on Nov. 12.

Porter pleaded not guilty last May to three counts of child rape that the alleged survivor said occurred during his stint as a school resource officer while she was a Hopkinton High School sophomore.

Pierce questioned the attorneys as to whether all the discovery motions had been received.

“Right now, our understanding is that Judge [James] Budreau took a cell phone and did an in camera review of text messages between the complainant and the alleged person placing the message,” said Assistant District Attorney Maren Schrader.

She added that she believed she may be missing some of the messages. She was assigned to the case last week in the absence of Assistant District Attorney Thomas Brant and has been reviewing the evidence since that time.

She reviewed and copied the packet left with her by Brant and presented it to defense counsel Leonardo Angiulo, who is representing Porter, before the hearing began, except for a copy of the cell phone itself.

Because she said Budreau is expected to return to court next week, Schrader said, “If we could get in front of him, he should be able to approve everything and make a judgment as to whether there is any inculpatory or exculpatory information to be given to defense counsel and the commonwealth.”

Angiulo said he believed there were “some outstanding discovery issues.” He previously received an information packet in January and wanted to make sure he had a “full and complete copy of the file.”

“I think we still have a few things that we need to work out,” he added.

He agreed with the judge that Budreau should preside over the case. Pierce explained that Budreau is going to be transferred to the civil court from the criminal court when he returns. In light of his history with the Porter case, he would be able to return to criminal court in this instance.

Pierce said he “would have to leave it to the parties.” Both attorneys agreed.

While Angiulo said he did not expect to file any motions at the pretrial conference, he “is still working through the discovery process.”

“I want to go through the file and review everything to make sure defense counsel has everything he needs,” said Schraeder. “There have been a variety of different people who appear to have had their hands on [the case], and I want to make sure everything is all right.”

Pierce scheduled the status conference for May 13 at 2:30 p.m. Porter’s jury trial consequently was postponed until Dec. 9, with a trial readiness conference to take place on Nov. 12.

Both attorneys spoke outside the courtroom after the hearing concluded. Porter, dressed in a black suit and wearing glasses, left the courtroom with his wife.

HopkintonIndependent.com

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