17 a.m. A Woodview Way resident

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Our staff and office have the proper equipment to keep you safe during your visit. All staff members will have their temperatures checked daily. Everyone in the building will be wearing masks. Our new office policies provide for minimal risk exams and visits. We will be scheduling routine exams soon!

Visit our website for more information.

• Quality/Detailed Eye Exams • Optical Shop and Lab • LASIK Consultations • Contact Lens Fitting • Dry Eye Specialist • Emergency Eye Care

Dr. Steven Perryman

10 Cedar Street, Hopkinton hopkintonvision.com 508.435.4711

Resident receives grant for COVID-19 research

By Michelle Sanford Contributing Writer

Medical doctors and scientists from around the globe continue to work nonstop to understand, decipher and ultimately stop the COVID-19 virus. Hopkinton resident Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, along with a group of colleagues and students from Northeastern University, recently joined those ranks thanks to a fast-track grant from the National Science Foundation.

Ondrechen, a professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern, received the $165,808 grant to study the protein structures of the COVID-19 virus in order to identify ways to control its harmful behavior.

Ondrechen and her research group aren’t using beakers and test tubes, but instead computational methods to study protein molecules, including those from the virus, to identify their active sites. Once the active sites have been pinpointed, a binding inhibitor that will slow down or halt its activity can be applied and ultimately render the virus inactive. The hope is to find inhibitors with minimal side effects to patients.

The Northeastern group has the unique ability to apply artificial intelligence to locate sites not identified by other methods. These sites include pockets and crevices that serve as new targets for the development of antiviral agents. Large datasets of natural and synthetic compounds will be searched for molecules that fit into these alternative sites.

The compounds that fit will be tested experimentally by Ondrechen’s colleague, Dr. Penny Beuning, also a Northeastern professor.

Hopkinton resident Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen, a professor at Northeastern University, is working on COVID-19 research.

We’re joining hundreds of scientists around the world who are working on this nonstop. We’re here because we want to help.

— Dr. Mary Jo Ondrechen

Due to the urgency of the situation and the importance of making the results known, Ondrechen explained the National Science Foundation has a mechanism in place for fast-track grants concerning time-sensitive studies called Rapid Response Research (RAPID). Researcher | 7

GETTING RID OF ANTS, THE MOST COMMON HOME INVADER

While homeowners across the country enjoy the warm weather and the sights, smells and activities of the season, they also must contend with increased pest activity. This season, WPC Pest Control is reminding homeowners to be on the lookout for one of the most prevalent pest – ANTS!

WPC Pest and Termite Control reminds families that ants are more than a nuisance pest

Often considered the No. 1 nuisance pest, ants also pose significant health and property risk as they destroy wood and contaminate food items. And with more than 700 types of ant species in the United States, it’s not surprising that ants can quickly become a source of disgust, frustration and concern for homeowners.

“Most ants thrive in warm and moist conditions, which is why it’s best to eliminate moisture or standing water near or inside the home,” says Jim Mazzuchelli, Owner of WPC Pest Control. “In some cases, the only way to completely remediate an ant infestation is to call a qualified pest professional who can locate and remove the identified species’ nests.”

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that the first step to remediation is to properly identify which ant species is present in the home.

Some of the most common home invaders include:

Senior Snippet

All town buildings were closed until at least May 18. While closed to the public, the Hopkinton Senior Center staff has remained available to seniors, and the center has been offering some virtual programs live through Zoom. For more information on any of the virtual programs, email assistant director Ashley Shaheen at ashaheen@hopkintonma.gov. For general information about the Senior Center, call (508) 497-9730 or visit hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

MONDAYS

9 a.m.: Chair yoga with Crystal Lee 12:30 p.m.: Ted Talk discussion 2 p.m.: Zumba with Rebecca Tredeau

TUESDAYS

10 a.m.: French class with Nathalie Scott 2 p.m.: Tap dancing with Rebecca Tredeau

• Odorous House Ants: These ants get their name from the unpleasant odor they give off when crushed, often described as smelling like a rotten coconut. They typically nest in wall voids and crevices and prefer sweet foods. • Pharaoh Ants: Pharaoh ants prefer sweets, but also consume grease and even shoe polish. They live in extremely large colonies and keep warm near artificial heating sources like baseboard heaters and ovens. • Carpenter Ants: This species hollows out nests in both dry and moist wood, though they prefer the latter. They can be particularly hard to remove since their nests can be more difficult to locate. • Fire Ants: Fire ants can cause severe allergic reactions in addition to structural damage caused by chewing through the insulation around electrical wiring.

Homeowners who suspect an ant infestation should contact a licensed pest professional who can identify ant species and recommend a course of treatment. To learn more about ants, please visit www.nobugsnopests.com.

WEDNESDAYS

10 a.m.: Coffee and conversation 2 p.m.: Barre class with Rebecca Tredeau

THURSDAYS

9 a.m.: Gentle yoga with Crystal Lee 10 a.m.: French class with Nathalie Scott 2 p.m.: Bootcamp with Rebecca Tredeau

FRIDAYS

10 a.m.: Live cable show, KeepMovin with Amy Beck, director of senior services, and Ashley Shaheen, assistant director of senior services 10 a.m.-noon: Technology assistance 10 a.m.-noon, first Friday of the month: One-on-one legal appointments with elder law attorney Arthur Bergeron 10:30 a.m., every other Friday: Caregiver support group (see website for dates)