HI 5.17.23

Porter pleads not guilty to rape charges

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John “Jay” Porter entered a plea of not guilty to three counts of child rape during a hearing at Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn on May 9.

The alleged incidents occurred nearly two decades ago, in September 2004 and June 2005, while Porter served as a school resource officer in Hopkinton and the alleged victim was a 15-year-old sophomore, according to Thomas Brant, the deputy chief of the Middlesex Country District Attorney’s Office.

Brant said that based on evidence the District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police gathered over the past several months, Porter “became acquainted with a young female student” at school at a time when she was “very vulnerable.”

Brant described two specific altercations that bookended the 2004-05

Select Board debates future of Upper Charles Trail Committee

By Mary Ellen Gambon

At the May 9 Select Board meeting, board members discussed the future of the Upper Charles Trail Committee following a May 2 Town Meeting vote on a non-binding article calling for the committee to be disbanded.

Select Board chair Amy Ritterbusch said she felt a “need to take a major action” — perhaps changing the charge from the Select Board to the UCTC and changing the makeup of the UCTC — but other Select Board members said they were not prepared to make any immediate changes.

Let’s try something a little more fun for this one if it can work in his layout. Use his standard layout like his 3.22.23 ad. I don’t want to use Congratulations as the first word of the text as he uses that a lot. See the screen shot attached. Could we do something along these lines with a banner reading ‘Hopkinton Class of’ above the year, 2023, (making the year large) and then to the right perhaps stacked – Congratulations Graduates. I’m open to ideas I’m just trying to do something a bit different. Gold is fine for a color to use – maybe green for the background? Don’t use confetti in the background - maybe just a graduation hat with tassle? You can do anything you think will look good for a background – don’t want it too plain. I’m open to ideas on it all! Hat’s in the air is always fun.

Hopkinton Class of CONGRATULATIONS , GRADUATES

Hopkinton independent

The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,600 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

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Monumental accomplishment to highlight Memorial Day

Thisyear’s Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 29, will have a special touch with the unveiling of a granite monument honoring residents who served in World War II.

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY

SPAR

A similar memorial made of wood was installed in 1943, midway through the war, and updated with the names of those who served. Being constructed of wood, it lasted about 20 years. A piece from that memorial is saved at the Hopkinton Historical Society.

The original monument included the quote “God grants liberty only to those who love it, who are always ready to guard and defend it,” and listed the names of the residents who served.

“It had names on boards with brass screws,” explained resident historian Bill Hamilton. “That way they could add more names and put them in alphabetical order.”

Hamilton, a longtime resident and Navy veteran (who also writes the Tales

from a Townie stories for the Independent), was the driving force behind the new monument.

During preparations for the town’s 300th anniversary celebration in 2015, Hamilton worked on a historical program that included pictures. He saw a photo of the wooden memorial and later discovered that his father was one of the three individuals who built it.

So, he got to work on coming up with a new memorial, with assistance from fellow longtime resident Tom McIntyre. After McIntyre died in 2017, Hamilton became “a committee of one,” researching the names, coming up with a design and navigating the process.

With encouragement and financial assistance procured by Town Manager Norman Khumalo — and following a delay due to the COVID pandemic — Hamilton completed the project and will present it this Memorial Day.

“It’s been a long time in the making,” he said. “It’s been a struggle, but I’ve had terrific support from townspeople and everyone. It should have been done a long time ago, when the other one rotted away, but people were doing other things.”

Independent

Thoughts | 3

The original World War II memorial was installed on the Town Common 80 years ago.

Town Common to get new memorial

The foundation for the monument — which is 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide — was poured on May 10, next to the Town Common gazebo (about 75 feet east of where the original board stood, Hamilton said), aligned next to memorials for veterans of other wars. The memorial, which was constructed in Georgia, is scheduled for delivery May 20.

Hamilton will give a speech at the Memorial Day ceremonies before the monument is unveiled — precisely 80 years and 26 years after the original dedication, Hamilton said, and with “416 names on display for prosperity.”

Those honored include men and women who lived in Hopkinton and joined the military for World War II as residents of Hopkinton.

Hamilton noted that his father was unable to serve in World War II due to a medical issue, but he dreamed of being a cook in the Navy. Coincidentally, Hamilton has been volunteering on the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. at the Battleship Cove maritime museum in Fall River for almost 30 years. His job: Navy cook.

Hopkinton Memorial Day services will start, as usual, at Evergreen Cemetery in Woodville, followed by a procession at the cemeteries off Mayhew Street. The ceremony at the Town Common (or St. John’s parish hall if it’s raining) — which will include speeches and music — will start around 11:30 a.m. and

end with the raising of the flag at noon.

Local youngster wins environmental award

Congratulations to Hopkinton fourth grader Aanya Soni, who recently was named the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) winner for Region 1 in Grades K-5. Soni started a wildlife conservation project called Every Turtle Matters in an effort to protect turtles crossing roadways in town.

Soni reached out to the town’s Conversation Commission, which in 2021 partnered with the Department of Public Works to create and install turtle crossing signs in areas with notable turtle activity. The signs are posted from spring until fall, when the turtles are the most active.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website, the PEYA program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1970 and recognizes outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of natural resources and encourages positive community involvement. Each year, PEYA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees and youth organizations to promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.

Soni was one of 34 students from across the nation who worked as a team or individually on 15 projects to be honored with a PEYA.

Police chase ends in crash in

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

A vehicle crashed just off Main Street on May 11 after being involved in a high-speed police chase through the center of town.

According to information from police in multiple communities, individuals suspected in a home break-in in Framingham fled in a stolen oldermodel Saab and led police up Route 135 in Ashland and into Hopkinton, right through the major construction project

the center of town.

At 8:33 a.m., the Saab attempted to make a right turn on Mount Auburn Street, at the corner where Main Street Service Center is located. The car crashed into the high curbing on the opposite side of the road (check HopkintonIndependent.com to see security video of the crash) and straddled the curb as smoke emerged from under the hood.

Two occupants immediately exited the vehicle and fled on foot just before police arrived. A 17-year-old male was apprehended and charged in juvenile court.

Maspenock residents grateful for support

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to Hopkinton residents for the unwavering support and commitment you have shown to our community. With your help, we successfully defeated Marguerite Concrete’s proposal to rezone land at South Street and Hayward Street from residential to commercial at the recent Town Meeting.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As the town moderator put it, “I don’t know if unanimous opposition is a thing — but we just proved it is.”

Your dedication to preserving the character of our neighborhood, protecting Lake Maspenock and the community from pollution and stormwater runoff, and ensuring the safety of our children and residents played a vital role in achieving this victory.

By uniting and standing up to a corporation, we have demonstrated the power of our collective voices and the impact we can have when we work together for the betterment of our town. The courage and determination to forge a better path for our families and our community is truly inspiring.

We want to thank you once again for your support and for choosing a brighter future for our town and our neighbors. We feel honored to be part of such a strong and committed community.

— Vikasith Pratty, Rustem Rafikov and others in the Lake Maspenock neighborhood

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

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 1-year-old Pepsi.

Here is Baypath’s description of Pepsi:

“Springtime is Pepsi time! Well, actually, all the time is Pepsi time, according to this little lady! Meet Pepsi! She is a sweet, outgoing 1-year-old lady who traveled all the way from the South just to find her new family. She’s quite the charmer and has many staff and volunteers already falling in love! When she’s not busy with her adoring fans, Pepsi enjoys hanging out with her dog friends! She loves to get her energy out by playing with her canine pals or by going on walks and adventures!

“Pepsi is open to sharing her next home with a canine sibling and would do best with teenagers and older at this time. Sometimes the world is just too exciting for this sweet lady!”

For more information on Pepsi 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.

Tales from a Townie: My first firefighting experience

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

Thistale takes place during April school vacation in 1954.

Things were a lot different then. The Fire Department’s three engines operated out of the old wooden fire station that would be razed in the summer of 1954 to make room for the new station.

There were no full-time firefighters then. All firefighters were “on call” and just came in when there was an emergency.

Joseph V. Pyne Sr. was the fire chief and lived two houses from the station. The “office” for his trucking business was in the back porch of his home. During the day, his wife, Margaret, would answer the fire phone, blow the fire alarm and dispatch the engines to the fire location. Also, there were no radios in the engines yet.

On this particular April morning, I was just hanging out at my house on Ash Street when the fire whistle sounded. I decided to ride my bike down to the station to see what was up.

When I arrived, two of the engines had gone to a brush fire in East Hopkinton near the Holliston line.

There were five or six of us there between the ages of 12-15. Margaret called over, “Are there any drivers there? We have a grass fire at 49 Pleasant Street.” We answered, “No drivers.” She said, “I’ll blow the fire whistle again.” She did so, and no one came. After about 10 minutes, one of the guys said, “I

know how to drive the fire engine,” and another said “I know how to run the pump.” So we all jumped on the fire engine, and off we went to the fire.

We got to the scene, got the pump going, pulled off the hose and, in about 20 minutes, had the fire out. We rolled the hose back on the engine and looked at each other. We were in deep trouble. If we drove back to the station and the men were back from the other fire, they’d see that none of us were even old enough to get a driver’s license. What do to?

Just then, we looked up, and a call firefighter was driving down the street. We flagged him down and told him of our plight. He said, “No problem. Whoever drove the engine up here, take my car and drive through the grove and park it behind the Fire Station.” (There was a dirt road from Maple Street to the rear of the Fire Station through an area that was known as the grove.)

We piled back on the fire engine, drove back to the station, backed in and filled the booster tank with water, and nobody ever knew who had driven the engine to the fire.

P.S. In 1989, the Pyne home had to be removed to make room for a commercial building. It now sits on the field at 49 Pleasant Street, where the fire was.

P.P.S. Ten years after this tale, after a hitch in the Navy, I became a call firefighter, and in 1967 became one of the first four professional firefighters/ emergency medical technicians (EMTs) the town employed, working a 30-year career.

Select Board discusses plan for new fire chief

At the May 9 Select Board meeting, Fire Chief Bill Miller shared that his last day with the department will be June 11. After 22 years in Hopkinton, including the last two as chief, he has accepted a position as chief in Bellingham.

“I don’t want to see you leave, but I understand that you have to,” Select Board member Mary Jo LaFreniere told Miller. “We will miss you very, very, very much.”

Town Manager Norman Khumalo said the town has not yet worked out a transition plan and asked the board for direction. He said Deputy Fire Chief Gary Daugherty Jr. is prepared to take over on an interim basis, as the process of hiring a new chief will go past June 11.

The board agreed to open the position to external candidates but with internal candidates encouraged to apply. Khumalo noted that the town has a large number of vacancies in various positions and suggested that the board might be better served hiring an outside firm to lead the search instead of adding another responsibility to the town’s Human Resources Department.

Select Board member Muriel Kramer said while she had no doubt that internal candidates will show “incredibly well,” she wanted to make sure the best candidate gets the job. “I do hope that we search broadly and have a competitive process,” she added.

LNG drill praised, but residents concerned

Miller and Police Chief Joseph Bennett offered highly positive reviews for the May 4 emergency preparedness test at the Eversource liquified natural gas (LNG) facility on Wilson Street.

Miller noted that the drill’s purpose was to test the safety features that are built into the plant, and, “Everything went off excellent.”

Added Bennett: “It was probably the best exercise or drill I’ve participated in, the most comprehensive by far. It was quite an experience.”

Khumalo added that the drill itself is an indication that Eversource is showing a willingness to be a better neighbor, following multiple issues in the past. Most notably, in 2017 there was what Eversource termed a “thermal anomaly” in one of the tanks that holds approximately 3 billion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas, yet the company did not notify the town about it for eight months.

“It, at least for me, symbolizes the growth and the effort that we’ve all put into building a relationship with Eversource to ensure public safety,” Khumalo said.

A handful of residents who spoke during the public comment portion of the May 9 Select Board meeting did not share the good feelings about Eversource. The residents, who live near the LNG facility, expressed concerns about the aging gas tanks and asked for a special meeting to further discuss potential safety issues. Khumalo said a forum could be arranged.

Main Street excavation underway

As part of the Main Street Corridor Project, Phase 3 of full-depth excavation from Muffin House Cafe to the east end of the project began May 8, and was expected

to take three weeks to complete.

Full-depth excavation includes the removal of the existing pavement and sub-layers, followed by the replacement and compaction of the gravel, then road paving. A final course of pavement will be added at the end of the project.

Traffic will need to drive on compacted gravel for a good portion of this work.

Temporary sod placed at the Town Common will be removed, and the planned work to reshape the road at Marathon Way will begin.

To expedite this work, public safety approved a workday of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Saturday until the fell-depth excavation work is completed. Detours are in place.

Master planning public forum May 24

The town will host a public forum on Wednesday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center (25 Mayhew Street) to seek input on municipal property master planning.

Residents are invited to provide opinions on how properties such as Fruit Street, the former Center School and the current Elmwood School could be used to meet municipal space needs now and in the future.

Anyone unable to attend can submit comments to the Permanent Building Committee via an online form. Check the town’s website for details: hopkintonma. gov/news_detail_T13_R69.php.

Friends of Seniors seek members

The Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors are seeking members to fill positions on their volunteer board of directors. The organization holds fundraising events, proceeds from which are used to provide support for Hopkinton’s Senior Center programs.

The board meets at the Senior Center (28 Mayhew Street) at 10 a.m. on the fourth Monday of each month except July and August.

The organization seeks individuals with a variety of skills and experiences, including (but not limited to) fundraising, publicity, media, marketing, technology and connections to local cultural, religious and community organizations. Adults of all ages are welcome.

For more information, email friendsofhopkseniors@gmail.com.

Misc: New hires welcomed

The Select Board welcomed Seth Ledoux as senior library assistant and Erin Grogan as Parks and Recreation Department program coordinator. … Khumalo said Tom Temple has stepped in to help with the Department of Public Works while the town seeks a replacement for John Westerling, who left as director late last month for a similar position in Natick. Temple is a former assistant commissioner for Marlborough’s DPW and now is retired, Khumalo said. …

The Select Board accepted the resignation of Priya Vasudevan from the Sustainable Green Committee.

Select Board debates future of Upper Charles Trail Committee

Board members proposed a joint working session with the UCTC, the Trails Coordination and Management Committee and town personnel as well as a public forum, although they first will seek feedback from both committees regarding a plan to move forward.

Ritterbusch noted that “the public was very clear” about its opinion, and suggested the UCTC’s work be put on hold.

“I think it is clear from what we heard at Town Meeting that the public wants a major change in the committee,” Ritterbusch said. “They both didn’t like the Segment 7 [along] Hayden Rowe and they didn’t feel heard or that they were communicated well with.”

Select Board member Irfan Nasrullah said dissolving the committee is “way too drastic,” although a review of the UCTC’s work would help.

“The public has spoken, and it was a pretty resounding vote,” he said. “I keep going back to institutional knowledge and everything the current board knows and has worked on, and I don’t want to see that go away. I like the idea of revisiting the charge and having the committee kind of examine whether or not they’ve met the goals in the charge, providing recommendations.”

Seven members of the UCTC spoke during public comment, with some defending the work of the committee and others opining that some sort of change is warranted. UCTC member Scott Knous suggested the UCTC be given an opportunity to hold its next meeting to discuss the results of the Town Meeting vote and come up with recommendations.

UCTC chair defends committee

Article 47 of the Town Meeting warrant, which town counsel deemed only advisory, called for the UCTC to be abolished in its current form and reconstructed of a subcommittee of the Trails Coordination and Management Committee. Article 48, which is binding but not permanent, called for the ceasing of spending of taxpayer funds on the controversial Segment 7, proposed to run along Hayden Rowe and cross it at three points. It also passed by a wide margin. Both articles were proposed by TCMC chair Peter LaGoy as a private citizen.

In a phone interview with the Independent, UCTC chair Jane Moran discussed the committee’s future and why it took previous actions.

“The UCTC is charged by the Select Board to build a trail from Milford to Ashland through Hopkinton, a multi-path trail that people of all abilities can access,” she said. “Our job is to think about the broader community and at the same time build upon the scope of our work.”

Moran noted that three members of the nine-member committee have terms that will expire on June 30. This potentially could change the composition of the UCTC.

Said Moran: “If the Select Board is not happy with the current mem -

bers, it can appoint others. They can say, ‘You put up a tough fight, but the committee will move forward with the charge they’re given.’ ”

She added that the infusion of three new members over the past year has increased the UCTC’s energy and focus. But these members — Knous and alternate members Jamie Wronka and Timothy Ritterbusch (Amy’s husband) — may not be aware of the UCTC’s history over the past decade, Moran explained.

“There is a learning curve that can take several years,” she said.

The major challenge faced by the UCTC, Moran indicated, is that Hopkinton State Park is on the western side of town, making it difficult to link with the eastern side.

“If we stay along the western side, the reality is that we’re going to have to build a bridge to Milford,” she said. Segment 6, which was proposed to go behind school property but was resoundingly rejected by the School Committee last year, “would have been dynamite in a good way” because it would have provided trail access to that area, particularly for young people who want to continue to EMC Park, Moran said. She added that Segment 7 also would have benefited the community by linking it to the Milford bike trail.

“We were trying to get kids into safe passage,” Moran said. “Folks clearly said they don’t like it. What they don’t seem to understand is that 70% of the trails go through the woods.”

Asked whether she would continue to serve as chair, Moran said that the UCTC usually votes on its board positions in June.

Said Moran: “I will keep serving until somebody tells me I’m fired.”

She added that she invited LaGoy to the next UCTC meeting on May 17 to see how the UCTC and the TCMC can move forward in partnership.

“We are still an active and viable committee,” she stressed. “It is so sad that we got caught in the middle of this issue with Segment 7. We are not engineers. We are not going to be solving this in five or even 10 years. Do people want to keep fighting, or do they want to get together?”

‘Will of the town’ noted

In a Zoom interview on May 3, LaGoy said the majority view of residents regarding the UCTC was apparent given that 72% of Town Meeting members voted for Article 47.

“I think the Select Board and town staff got a pretty clear indication of the will of the town,” he said. “I think that’s kind of the key thing to keep reminding them.”

During the week before Town Meeting, LaGoy said he spoke briefly with Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus via phone and was told that town counsel considered Article 47 to be advisory.

“My read of it says ‘may,’ ” he said. ’ It doesn’t say ‘may only use the bylaw approach.’ ”

“The reality is this is such a rare situation where you might replace a whole committee like this that there’s

no way to write a law that’s completely bulletproof,” LaGoy added, comparing it to the short-term rental article also debated at Town Meeting. “The Select Board has to act on that based on the will of the people.”

He noted that the TCMC, which he said is being renamed the Trails Committee, came about when the UCTC became inundated with questions about trails across town that were not relevant to the creation of an Upper Charles Trail. He noted that there are seven Trails Committee members as well as five alternate slots that have never been filled that current UCTC members potentially could hold.

Said LaGoy: “The Trails Committee is supposed to be the umbrella organization, and it is, with the exception of this other committee.”

LaGoy noted that the UCTC was formed in 2012 after he led the work to create of the Center Trail.

“I decided not to be on it at the time because I was looking to just be building trails,” he said.

LaGoy added that he would step down as Trails Committee chair if the UCTC subcommittee idea is approved so that he could chair the subcommittee, if that was the will of the Select Board. He stressed his ability to compromise while working on the creation of the Hughes Trail, pulling it back from the neighborhood after residents raised concerns.

“I think we’re at a point now where we’re sort of working on the communication end of things,” he said. His vision is to engage younger members with families who tend to communicate more via social media.

Asked whether he would attend the next UCTC meeting, LaGoy said, “I’m certainly thinking about it and probably will attend. But at the end of the day, it’s going to be a Select Board decision as to where things sit.”

Town Meeting makes it clear

At Annual Town Meeting on May 2, a large majority of residents agreed with LaGoy’s stance.

“We don’t take this motion lightly,” LaGoy said. “These are friends and neighbors. We respect work on committees. However, after 10 years, and particularly after watching the last two years, some change is needed.”

LaGoy said the UCTC has failed to listen to safety concerns, has not been responsive to the public, and has been overly reliant on a commuter-focused engineering firm (VHB) that is not the right for this job.

A number of residents spoke out against having a trail go down Hayden Rowe Street and said the UCTC is not listening to residents’ concerns.

Ken Parker, a current and longtime member of the UCTC, said he supported disbanding the committee. He said he had a suggestion that he hoped could solve the issue with Hayden Rowe but did not believe his opinion would be considered by the current committee.

Knous, who joined the UCTC last year, said there are “really, really good people” on the committee, but there’s a “suboptimal process.”

Select Board member Muriel Kramer, speaking as a private citizen, spoke against the article.

“It’s personally divisive and affrontive to pursue this this way,” she said, although she acknowledged the Hayden Rowe option was not preferable to her.

Former Select Board chair John Coutinho said the town should be patient while the committee continues its hard work. He opposed the article, saying, “This isn’t the way to do it.”

A simple majority was needed for passage of the article, and it passed by a count of 158-61.

Steve Frohbieter, a member of the Hopkinton Trails Club but speaking as a private citizen, introduced Article 48, calling for no money to be spent on a segment proposed to run along Hayden Rowe. Town counsel previously indicated passage of the article would not be a permanent decision but would hold until next year’s Annual Town Meeting.

“If the UCTC has not yet come to the conclusion that they’re not going to be build a trail down Hayden Rowe, then this will delay their efforts for a year by denying them the funds to continue their folly,” Frohbieter said. “Hopefully during that time we can find an alternative to this misguided route plan.”

Moran said the committee did not put in a request for spending on Segment 7, so she found the article “very perplexing.” She stressed that it would be the Select Board’s decision whether or not to pursue a specific route, and it was the UCTC’s job to provide options for the Select Board to consider.

Hayden Rowe Street resident Martin Bayes supported the article.

“I acknowledge the difficulty of the task that the committee’s been facing, but I think hiding behind advancing a clearly unacceptable approach as one of the alternatives indicates a lack of functionality of the group,” he said. “And this motion that I will support is a strong signal that just because you’re asked to look for alternatives does not mean advancing poor alternatives.”

The article passed overwhelmingly via a voice vote shortly before midnight, putting a cap on Annual Town Meeting for 2023.

Managing editor Jerry Spar contributed to this report.

Attention Dancers

I think it is clear from what we heard at Town Meeting that the public wants a major change in the committee. They both didn’t like the Segment 7 [along] Hayden Rowe and they didn’t feel heard or that they were communicated well with.

— Select Board chair Amy Ritterbusch

Springwood tree clearing halted after neighbors meet with owner

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

Two neighborhoods abutting a property off of Kimball Road joined forces to stop the tree clearing planned for the 60-acre site by working with the property owner to address their concerns.

Michael Cooper, a resident of the Springwood neighborhood and an activist on this issue, said that the tree clearing at the site began in early April without notice to abutters or the town. He first learned of the activity when he heard the sound of the machinery and drove by the property.

In an interview with the Hopkinton Independent, Cooper confirmed that property owner Michael Umina, a Hopkinton resident and 2016 candidate for the Select Board, reached out to him after reading an article in the Independent highlighting concerns surrounding the tree clearing.

“It’s one of those things where the owner of the property came to the table,” explained Cooper. “Some neighbors tried to sit down with [him] to see what his goals are for the land and let him know our goals for conservation of at least some of the trees. After he saw the article in the Independent, he spoke with a few of us and agreed to sell part of the land, if the town would agree with it.”

On May 11, the Open Space Preservation Commission voted 3-0 to create an ad hoc committee to discuss the town’s potential purchase of the property.

Cooper added that some of the neighbors may be willing to purchase

sections of the land abutting their properties in order to preserve it and create a buffer to their property. Under a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) permit, the owner has the right to clear the land up to the property line.

Cooper said the cutting activity ceased by May 8 after he and a few neighbors from the Springwood and Hunters Ridge neighborhoods met on the property with Umina and Paul Davis, the logger foreman, on May 5.

“The land owner went down to the

site with us and told the logger to stop,” Cooper said. “The loggers went above and beyond what the landowner wanted and expected.”

Ten minutes after they left, Cooper said he heard the cutting activity resume.

“The logger wouldn’t stop,” he said. “We contacted the owner, and he went back. That’s when the craziness went down and the cops came. Paul Davis left the site and was pretty nasty to us. He flat-out lied to the neighbors and the property owner.”

Cooper stressed that Umina has been understanding about the residents’ concerns and “unfortunately has taken a bad rap,” while the logger was not initially responsive to their requests.

Abutter Sam Sader, who lives on Kimball Road, was one of the visitors to the site. He called the cessation of cutting “a temporary resolution.”

“I have been in touch with the owner for a while,” he said. “I expressed to him that we wanted to retain the natural character of the neighborhood as much as possible. In the course of our conversations, I made him aware that everyone was upset about the tree cutting. … One thing worth noting is that [Umina] repeatedly said that he didn’t want people to be upset.”

Devin Callinan, a resident of the Hunters Ridge neighborhood, said he joined the conservation effort “very, very recently” after he was contacted by Cooper.

He described the site, which he visited with the group on May 5, as “a massive gaping area” that “they made quick work of decimating.”

“The logger disobeyed the owner’s request,” Callinan said. “I don’t blame the owner. It just spiraled out of control. What was shocking to me was that [Davis] said he needed to cut a path out of the far end of the parcel. The owner told him to use the same way he came in.”

On May 10, Umina confirmed to the Independent that he is “working with some of the people down the road to come to an agreement.”

Said Umina: “I want to make everyone happy.”

Loggers cleared a large section of the forested land off Kimball Road before the work was halted by the owner.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

TOWN OF HOPKINTON

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS WATER/SEWER DIVISION

PUBLIC NOTICE

MANDATORY State of Water Supply Conservation

We are mandated by the town’s water management permit issued by the State, to limit nonessential outdoor use, to protect stream flow, aquatic life and ensure sustainable drinking water. The town is required to implement a MANDATORY State of Water Supply Conservation from May 1st through September 30th, each year, pursuant to the town’s water use restriction by-law. Under chapter 199-6 Section F; Lawn sprinklers may be used for lawn watering, two days per week, outside of the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. All other outdoor non-essential use is permitted daily outside the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. People residing in precincts one and three may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Precincts two, four and five may water on Wednesday and Fridays. There shall be no lawn watering on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. This only applies to those water services connected to the municipal water system.

A normal lawn only needs about 1” of water per week. If rain is expected or has just occurred, then your system should be shut off for the remainder of the week in order to avoid unnecessary and wasteful water use. In fact, the best practice is to always leave the system off on only turn it on as needed. Last year we saw drought and the forecast is for a warmer than normal summer. You should check to ensure that your system in not dispensing more then what is needed during a dry week as well. Due to the twice per week restriction, the common belief is the sprinkler system needs to run for extended hours to maintain a green lawn, which is not the case. Your irrigation company can set your sprinklers to maintain the minimum amount required. It is only with each individual water user’s diligence toward efficient water use, that we will be able to maintain safe water levels for drinking and fire protection in case of prolonged drought. Please plan accordingly if you are trying to establish a new lawn, so that you may comply with these regulations.

We have added a large number of new users this year that will add to the demand especially during the summer months. We will not be able to sustain the strain on the system or make it through the summer without further restrictions without everyone’s strict compliance. This makes adherence to the restrictions even more important. We expect the need to run wells #4 and #5 this summer to help meet demands if sprinkler use is high. These wells have elevated levels of iron that although not harmful to drink, will cause discoloration in the water.

The following are the penalties for non-compliance with the Town’s water use restriction by-law. Any person violating this by-law shall receive a written warning for the first offense. For the second offense, any person violating this By-law shall be liable to the Town in the amount of $100.00. For any violations beyond the second offense, water service may be suspended. Fines shall be recovered by inclusion as a charge on the next scheduled water bill.

The Water Department will be keeping users apprised of the current restriction through several methods. There are signs located throughout town at the following locations.

Location of Water Use Restriction Signs

Main St. @ Exxon, West Main @ Wood St. West Bound, Wood St. @ Westboro Line East Bound, Pond & Spring Intersection, South & West Main Intersection West Bound, Main @ Pleasant East Bound, West Main @ School West Bound, Ash @ Park South Bound, Hayden Rowe @ Tennis Courts South Bound, Hayden Rowe @ Chestnut North Bound, East Main St. @ TJ’S West Bound

We will also be utilizing the town websites, newspapers, cable TV and the CodeRed phone call system for emergencies. You can also follow us on Twitter @hopkintonwater for department updates. In addition you can subscribe to our notice feed here: https://groups.google.com/a/hopkintonma.gov/g/watersewer to receive the most current information via email.

For the precinct map please go to: www.hopkintonma.gov/departments/town_clerk/election_information.php

For tips on minimizing water use outdoors, please visit our web site @ www.hopkintonma.gov

If you would like to know if rain is on the way or how much rain we received so you can shut your systems off, you can follow @hopkintonWX on Twitter or check the weather station readings @ www.hopkintonwx.com/ click on weather station

We thank you for your cooperation in helping to preserve our most important natural resource!

Town Meeting rejects zoning change requests

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

Hopkinton voters united in opposition to a request for rezoning of a group of parcels at the corner of South Street and Hayward Street at a well-attended Annual Town Meeting on May 1-2.

A citizens’ petition generated loud and unanimous opposition during Town Meeting’s second night, as residents of the Lake Maspenock area spoke out against the rezoning of a residential parcel in their neighborhood.

Article 29, proposed by engineer Peter Bemis as a private citizen, re-

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quested changing the zoning at South Street/Hayward Street/Pine Grove Lane from residential lakefront to rural business. Citing time constraints following discussions with town officials, Bemis last month requested to withdraw the article, but it was past the deadline. Bemis did not attend Town Meeting to speak on it or his request for no action. The proposed zoning change would have benefited Hopkinton resident Jim Marguerite, who wanted to relocate the headquarters of Marguerite Concrete to that parcel of currently forested land. The property includes seven lots, five of which were proposed for development and two that were proposed to be

GETTING RID OF ANTS, THE MOST COMMON HOME INVADER

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

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“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 and Termite 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.”

WPC Pest and Termite Control reminds homeowners that the first step to remediation is to properly identify which ant species is present in the home.

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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 or call 508-366-1820.

preserved as open space.

While the Planning Board had recommended no action, many attendees were adamant that the article be voted down that evening.

Resident Mary Arnott asked that a vote be taken, saying that it was her belief that residents would prefer that the area remain zoned as a lakefront residential district.

“I am encouraging all the people here tonight who came out to vote to please vote on this article,” she said, noting that it would be likely to resurface in the future.

“Let’s get it done with tonight,” said resident Ken Weismantel, who moved that the article be discussed.

In the absence of the petitioner, Town Moderator Ellen Rutter asked members of a group of concerned residents who emailed her in advance with a five-slide presentation to make a presentation in opposition to the zoning change. The slide presentation was not able to be uploaded.

Parker Happ opened the presentation by saying that 40% of the current commercial property currently on Hayward and South streets was unoccupied. He lamented that the slide presentation “will live and myth and memory.” In the end, the slides turned out not to be necessary to convince the audience.

Jamie Goncalvez, president of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association, stressed that the group’s board voted “overwhelmingly” to oppose the zoning change. He said the LMPA members wanted to “keep the lake the way it is.”

“There were environmental concerns that were an issue,” he explained, noting that an increase in traffic and in impervious surfaces were raised. Another was that a three-story building would block residents’ current scenic views.

Resident Xavier Pennell cited the need for more housing in Hopkinton in his opposition to the article.

A two-thirds vote was required for approval because it was an article on a zoning change. Moderator Ellen Rutter

declared the vote to be unanimous after the resounding shouts of “Nay!” echoed around her.

Said Rutter: “I don’t know if unanimous opposition is a thing — but we just proved it is.”

Gun club limitation fails

Article 34 failed to pass after drawing fire from several opponents. This citizens’ petition, proposed by resident Seetharaman Ganesan, proposed prohibiting outdoor shooting at gun clubs such as the Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Association off Lumber Street.

Ganesan described how the gun shots disturbed him and motivated him to put forth the article, which cited the goal of protecting “we the people, babies, animals and birds” from noise pollution.

“Noise pollution is detrimental for people’s mental and physical health, besides harming the environment,” he said, saying it sounded like a “war zone.” “We should be a livable town for all people as well as our precious wildlife.”

Former Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone spoke as a representative for the Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Association, citing its history in Hopkinton since it was founded in 1931. He explained that six police departments practice shooting there for about 70 hours a year, and the club offers the use of its pond for the Hopkinton Police Department’s annual fishing derby. Boy Scouts also have activities there.

“They are a good neighbor, to say the least,” he said.

Tedstone also cited state law, which allows gun clubs to open at 8 a.m. and shoot until 10 p.m. This club is more restrictive, with shooting allowed starting at 9 a.m. and finishing a half an hour before sunset, he said.

He added that notice had been sent to abutters and was presented to the Planning Board and developers to make them aware of the proximity of

an active shooting club to their property. Even if the article passed, Tedstone said that it would likely be overturned by the state’s Attorney General’s Office, noting that existing gun ranges are exempt from noise restrictions.

Town Counsel Bryan Bertram confirmed that the law exempts existing gun ranges from regulations that govern noise, which would make the proposed bylaw unenforceable.

Peggy Barton spoke in favor of the article, saying that the gun club has “dominated my life and undermined my health.” She described the sound of a shot as “a unique, sharp report that makes every cell in your body flinch.”

While many speakers appeared somewhat sympathetic to the abutters, they stressed that they knew that they would be hearing gunfire when they moved into the neighborhood because of the facility’s long history.

Resident Andomo Woody said that while he understood both sides, the ones to blame are the realtors who may not have informed people moving in about the gun club. He described the gunfire as “a necessary noise,” noting that the training of police officers ultimately benefits all residents. There also was no provision for funding the move of a gun club to an indoor facility, which he said potentially could impact taxpayers.

Robert Pierce, a member of the Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Club, pointed out that the club has been operating under the provisions of the town’s noise ordinances. He noted that a sport such as trap and skeet, an Olympic sport, could not be moved indoors, as well as long-distance targeting.

Donald Jordan, who said he formerly served as a legislative director for the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 31 years, said that the article was written so broadly that it appeared to be like a “bill of attainder,” which would punish a specific group and would not meet a constitutional challenge.

“We all, as human beings, have activities which create harm to animals and birds,” he said.

A small number of people voted in favor, falling far short of a simple majority.

Church property denied rezoning

Voters also denied a zoning district change for 0 and 2 West Elm Street, on

Hearing Evaluations

which the Community Covenant Church sits. The church is closing and the property is going up for sale. The sellers sought a change from residential to business zoning. All but one resident who spoke were opposed, saying they hoped another church would take over or perhaps an affordable housing unit could be built there.

The town voted down a proposal to create a short-term rental bylaw. A number of residents who rent their homes via websites such as Airbnb or VRBO opposed the proposal, which sought to create regulations and a licensing process. The article was prompted after an issue with a short-term rental on Pike Street.

After some discussion, the town approved Article 26, which calls for a limited number of electric vehicle parking spaces in all new parking lots with five or more spaces. The EV spaces don’t have to be set up with chargers but must be EV ready (with conduits).

In a close vote, residents did not support an article seeking to amend the leash law and require dogs who are off their premises to be leashed 24 hours a day. The current law does not require a leash between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. In the vote, 185 supported the change, while 208 opposed it.

Annual Town Meeting kicked off May 1 at the middle school auditorium with a robust turnout of more than 500 voters — well above the 128 needed for a quorum — unanimously approving the fiscal year 2024 operating budget, among other budgetary items, after some light debate over School Department increases.

Managing editor Jerry Spar contributed to this report. For a breakdown with results of every Town Meeting article, visit HopkintonIndependent.com.

Residents turned out in strong numbers for Annual Town Meeting on May 1-2 at the Hopkinton Middle School auditorium.

Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John Porter stares ahead during his May 9 appearance in Woburn District Court.

mum fine of $50,000, as well as have the monitoring privilege revoked.

Angiulo said that his client turned in his firearm when he announced his intention to retire from the Hopkinton Police Department on April 28. The charges against him were made public three days later.

Porter was placed on administrative leave from the force last summer while the investigation was ongoing, although the details were not made public.

Shortly before his leave, Porter was honored for his 30 years of service to the department, working his way up from an officer to a detective to deputy chief.

school year. He said the first alleged incident occurred when he “volunteered to take the young female home” in September 2004 but stopped on the way and engaged in “two specific types” of sexual acts. The other event took place in June 2005, when Brant said there was “an assault and an oral rape.”

Brant said the alleged victim had placed her trust in Porter as a police officer and school resource officer.

“She is very much in fear of Officer Porter,” Brant said, noting that the woman now has “a young family” with two children who attend school in Hopkinton. Because Porter does not have any previous charges against him, Brant asked that Special Magistrate Michael A. Sullivan allow Porter to be released on his own personal recognizance but be monitored by a GPS ankle bracelet. He also requested that “exclusion zones” be considered for the alleged victim’s home, work address and the two schools her children attend.

Brant noted that the charges would have been more severe had the alleged incidents occurred about three years later, when the state enacted a law codifying the charge of aggravated rape.

Porter was represented by Worcester-based attorney Leonardo Angiulo.

“Obviously, this is the most serious thing a person can be accused of,” Angiulo said. “But it is an allegation that we are challenging.

“He has not tried to run,” Angiulo said of Porter during the discussion about the GPS tracking device. “He has not tried to seek out anybody who may have made an allegation.”

Angiulo added that while the allegations are “very serious, the state has no particularized evidence.”

At that point, Sullivan called for a sidebar, which lasted about three minutes. Porter, wearing a black suit and a bright red shirt with a tie, sat straight and stared ahead while he awaited the outcome of the discussion.

Sullivan set a trial schedule conference date for May 24. Through the clerk, he said that Porter should be fitted with a GPS ankle monitoring device and was restricted from going near the woman’s home or workplace or the two schools her children attend. Porter also was told that he could not be in possession of a firearm.

If these actions are violated, Sullivan could face a mini-

Porter began his career in his hometown of Upton, serving as an officer for a couple of years before moving to Hopkinton. According to a feature in the Hopkinton Independent on his three decades of service, he said his interactions with Upton police officers during a troubled time in his childhood motivated him to become a police officer. He described his father as “an abusive person” in that article.

The 54-year-old Porter has been married for 28 years and has two children. He has coached girls high school soccer since 2010, first as freshman coach at Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough and then as head coach of the varsity team at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton since 2014. He resigned from his position at Blackstone Valley Tech on April 28, the same day he retired from the HPD.

On May 1, the day the charges were announced, the town released a statement attributed to Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Police Chief Joseph Bennett.

“We are deeply disturbed and troubled by these accusations,” the statement read. “These alleged crimes have no place in our community or anywhere else, and we extend our sympathies to the victim. The Hopkinton Police Department continues to cooperate fully with the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.”

On May 5, the town released another statement following questions about why Porter was allowed to resign rather than be fired.

“In response to inquiries by members of the public, the Town of Hopkinton wishes to provide clarification on John Porter’s separation from employment with the town,” the statement read. “Porter notified the town on Friday, April 28, that he is seeking to retire. The Town of Hopkinton participates in the Middlesex County Retirement System (MCRS), and the town has no authority to accept or reject his retirement request. The town did, however, accept his immediate separation of employment. John Porter is no longer employed by the Hopkinton Police Department.”

During the May 9 Hopkinton Select Board meeting, board member Muriel Kramer offered support to victims of abuse.

“We stand with survivors of sexual violence,” she said. “We honor your testimony and your courage. We believe you, we commit to facing hard truths and having difficult but necessary conversations. And we want the community to help us, to hold each other accountable. Please stay in communication and let us know what you need from us as we work to get through this together.”

Added Kramer: “It’s going to be hard for all of us, but we will steadfastly work together to try to address this as transparently, as honestly, as forthrightly and as fully as we need to.”

Managing editor Jerry Spar contributed to this report.

Porter | from page 1

PHOTO/MARY ELLEN GAMBON

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Veterans Breakfast

Afull house of local veterans enjoyed the monthly breakfast at the Hopkinton Senior Center on May 5. A sampling of attendees in the accompanying photo demonstrates through smiling faces the reveling in military events that were evoked from significant military action on May 5 during the early 20th century. Pictured are (from left), Robert Hole (Navy), showing an action photo of the Battle of Midway (June 4-7, 1942), an important turning point in World War II; Stephen Bartlett (Marines), Mike Arakelian (Air Force), showing a photo of (possibly) the first Massachusetts Congressional Medal of Honor award earned by Peter Grace in 1885; a guest (Navy) with a photo of the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice), which was approved by Congress in 1950 for the “government of the armed forces of the U.S.”; Steve Whynot (Navy), Art Brooks (Navy); and Bob Letendre (Army) with a rendering representing Taps Across America, a program fully supported by Hopkinton-based Old Guard New England.

Many military events were discussed during the breakfast. The Hopkinton veteran on “guard duty,” overlooking the shoulders of the breakfast attendees, is WW II Army Sgt. Paul Jackson Michael McBride.

The next Veterans Breakfast is scheduled for June 2 at the Senior Center.

Recap contributed by Hank Allessio

Pickleball/tennis facility off Fruit Street moves forward

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Planning Board on May 8 approved the site plans for the eagerly anticipated pickleball/tennis facility at 17 Pratt Way, off Fruit Street, the only hearing on the agenda.

Vice chair Mary Larson-Marlowe chaired the 30-minute meeting in the absence of Chair Gary Trendel. This was the last meeting for her as well as fellow board members Fran

DeYoung and Paul Ostrander, who decided not to seek reelection.

Two tennis courts were proposed, one of which can be converted into four pickleball courts. Inclusion of a tennis court was required by the town. There also will be a storage shed and a small shaded seating area, as well as a 28-space parking lot. No lights were proposed because of the cost.

Principal Planner John Gelcich explained that there had been some “back and forth” between project engineer Andrew Leonard and Phil Paradis, the town’s engineering consultant from BETA Group, since the last meeting on April 24 to address some minor drainage concerns that were raised at that time.

“They have now gotten the OK from BETA that says all of BETA’s comments have been addressed,” Gelcich said.

Leonard explained that original configuration of the project didn’t change. A structure was added that will reduce particulates from entering the bioswales. Previously, there had been a delay in constructing the test pit for the bioswales because of the Boston Marathon, but the work was completed before the previous meeting and was reflected on the plans.

“Other than that, it was just some minor tweaks as to the spot elevations and the configuration of the overflow out of the bioswale areas where, if they were to fill up, where the overflow would go,” Leonard said. No changes were made to the court configuration, parking area or entry and exit ways.

The applicant, the Parks & Rec -

Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Howard Troughton for this photo of Lucky, the family poodle, stretching to catch a flying disc in the backyard — “her favorite activity.” To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bill’s Pizzeria. All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at Bill’s Pizzeria.

Pickleball/tennis facility moves forward

reation Department, requested three waivers, which were approved in an 8-0 vote. A waiver for administrative fees was approved because Parks & Rec is a town organization, but the fees for the BETA consultation will be assessed. Parks & Rec also requested a waiver for the sidewalk requirement along the frontage of the site. Larson-Marlowe said that, given the nature of the project, it would be appropriate not to locate a sidewalk there.

The third waiver for lighting was briefly discussed. Member Ron Priefer asked why lighting was not proposed for the courts so they could be utilized during evening hours.

Parks & Recreation Director Jay Guelfi explained that the cost of the upgrade of the site by Eversource to provide electricity capabilities was “more expensive than the actual project itself.” He said he encountered the same problem when the Fruit Street fields were built.

“We’ve been down this road before,” he said. “It’s just not feasible to do that.”

Said Larson-Marlowe: “Perhaps one day we will have everything electrified there.”

Replied Priefer: “One can dream.”

The previous estimated project cost was $743,000. Money was appropriated for the facility by the Community Preservation Committee.

Member Rob Benson noted that the Fruit Street area now is being used more by Hopkinton residents because of the dog park and passive recreation. He asked if there was a “big picture” for the land.

Depending on who you talk to, the big picture is different. From the Parks & Recreation standpoint, we’ve maxed out our footprint there.

— Parks & Rec Director Jay Guelfi, on plans for the town’s Fruit Street property

“Depending on who you talk to, the big picture is different,” Guelfi explained. “From the Parks & Recreation standpoint, we’ve maxed out our footprint there.”

Guelfi noted that, according to the Fruit Street master plan, Parks & Rec only has “a small segment” of the land. This prompted Benson to ask what other town entities had rights to the land there. Guelfi noted that some parcels there have been designated for affordable housing.

Larson-Marlowe suggested that the Fruit Street master plan be presented to the Planning Board “in the near future” to help people understand who has rights to portions of the land, which Gelcich said he would bring forward to Trendel. DeYoung noted that there are a number of trails that are intertwined there.

Member Jane Moran added that scout activities also occur on the site after school and on weekends, including camping.

“It’s a bit foggy as to what the long-term plans are for that parcel,” Guelfi said.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Pickleball/tennis facility | from page 14

ScHoolS

HHS senior Hwang brings people into ‘language of music’

participated in a fiveweek camp at Berklee College of Music in Boston. There, he learned music production techniques, which he involves using technology to build a song from scratch.

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School senior Ryan Hwang does not remember a time when music was not part of his life. As a toddler, he used wooden spoons to drum on a trash can, he was told. A fan of the Beatles and particularly Ringo Starr’s drumming, he focused primarily on that instrument during his youth.

About two years ago, Hwang branched out to incorporate song writing and music production into his repertoire of skills.

He has three original songs available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music: “Longer,” “The Necklace” and “That Song,” and plans to release an album this summer.

He also will be performing one of his songs at the HHS Pops Concert this month.

Hwang explained that his pieces are based on real life experiences, “just to kind of process all the things going on … the highs and lows of life and where I’m at,” he said. “I talk to myself and it’s a [form] of therapy, I guess.”

Elaborating, he noted the theme of his upcoming album centers around high school relationships — “breakup issues, so it’s heartbreak driven.” Hwang hopes to collaborate with others and, in the future, use different topics as themes. A turning point came during freshman year when Hwang

“Music production is playing, recording, mixing and arranging a piece and making musical decisions about what melodies and chords to have, what instruments to use,” he said. “You have to make choices on the direction you want to take the sound … whether it is fast, slow, happy or sad sounding. You start with nothing and take writing into what you hear on the radio.”

Hwang said he uses the technology he has at home — a computer and keyboard. He began teaching himself the app GarageBand, combining pre-made loops and audio files to compose music.

From there, he taught himself how to create original music — “building a song from the ground up without the use of premade files composed by other people.”

The entire process for one composition takes about a month, he said, with the song writing spanning a week or two and then zeroing in on “how to use the production to tell the story of the song” and mixing and recording it.

Hwang performs as a drummer with the school concert band and jazz ensemble. For his senior project, he is making three videos showing the production process of how he created three songs — breaking down the various components.

“I hope to encourage people to make their own songs and to tell their own stories,” he noted.

“I feel very fortunate to bring people into this language of music through the songs I enjoy creating,” Hwang added.

In the fall, he will attend the University of Southern California and major in music production.

He’s not sure exactly what his ultimate career path will be — whether it’s becoming an artist, songwriter, producer, manager or a combination, but feels California is the place to make that happen.

“I love Massachusetts and it’s tempting to go to Berklee in Boston, but I know the industry is in Los Angeles and the best way to prepare for the future is to be where it all happens and learn from the professionals there,” he said.

Hwang noted his parents encouraged him to also study film and business to broaden his possibilities, and that is exactly what he intends to do.

“I’m going to surround myself in other worlds that might cross with each other and learn other tools to equip my career outside of music,” he said.

When asked where he would like to be in five years, Hwang replied, “Hopefully with a job. … Ideally, I’ll be doing a job I enjoy and having a positive impact using music.

Ryan Hwang plans to release an album this summer, before he starts college at the University of Southern California, where he will major in music production.

School Committee gives superintendent mostly ‘exemplary’ ratings

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

During a workshop style meeting on May 4, School Committee members discussed their individual ratings for Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh’s ability to achieve her performance goals. They also evaluated her as either “exemplary” or “proficient” in areas such as fiscal systems, family and community engagement, conflict management and more. The other rankings are “needs improvement” and “unsatisfactory.”

— School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh, on Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh

design” phase with the approval of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

For the goals, the superintendent was said to have “met” or “exceeded” them. The goals centered on the following: changes to K-6 math curriculum; writing curriculum redesign and disciplinary literacy instruction; DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion)/social emotional learning efforts; enrollment growth and building use; and growth and improvement of administration team through communication and care for each other as well as a refocus on teaching and learning.

While each of the four members present (Holly Morand was absent) shared their feedback, chair Nancy Cavanaugh had them reach a consensus at the end of each category. She will take their comments and return next week with a completed evaluation document.

Several of the areas prompted discussion, with board members largely agreeing on their feedback.

Vice chair Amanda Fargiano noted that several “extraneous factors” occurred throughout the school year that were “time drains” on Cavanaugh’s workload. These factors included the Elmwood School project, budget changes and staff turnover.

Cavanaugh, she said, met expectations, but efforts are ongoing in some areas.

Several times, board members alluded to the difficulties earlier this year in the district when a proposal to cut special education therapists’ positions was met with public outcry.

Nancy Cavanaugh said “discourse was uncomfortable” with members of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) during that time, but noted that group had grown from one member at the start of the year to now having several parents actively involved.

The School Committee is developing a policy related to SEPAC and worked with a mediator to improve relations earlier this year.

Incorporating writing into other disciplines is one effort the board members recognized as being the superintendent’s area of expertise and passion.

“This is your jam,” is how School Committee member Jenn Devlin put it.

Members collectively agreed that the superintendent’s concentration on dealing with enrollment growth and building use was “exemplary,” talking about the proposed Elmwood School replacement project and all the work of the Elementary School Building Committee.

Carol Cavanaugh said that the project recently moved to the “schematic

“It is a very aggressive undertaking, and it’s happening,” Devlin said.

Committee members felt there is more discussion and cooperation among administrators, but Nancy Cavanaugh pointed out that some of the high-quality administrators chose to move to positions in other districts. As a result, team building will have to continue when new people are hired, she said.

Fargiano said the superintendent leads the district well despite its low per pupil expenditure compared to other communities in the state.

“The reason it is efficient is because of thoughtful programming and a comprehensive approach,” she said.

Devlin said another of Carol Cavanaugh’s strengths was her use of datadriven information and assessments when making decisions.

Member Lyn Batlle-Rafferty acknowledged the superintendent’s relationship with the teachers union had its ups and downs, while Nancy Cavanaugh noted the budget process was difficult this year with administrators called upon to make changes several times.

“You rose to the occasion in a short time with high-quality thoughts and documents,” the chair said. “It’s emotional, but you kept students first.”

Batlle-Rafferty also praised Carol Cavanaugh for the “quick turnaround” required during the budget process and the ability of administrators, including principals, to provide clear and concise information that can be readily understood.

She also spoke in favor of all the efforts to provide “culturally responsive” information to families whose first language is not English.

The superintendent noted there are texting apps so that people can receive communication in different languages. There also is an interpreter available at meetings with this population.

In addition, the chair said it is a positive that the “vision of succeeding” is not limited to going on to four-year colleges. “The conversations and opportunities are changing. … It’s good for social/emotional health for [students] to go to their own successes and not have them imposed upon them.”

“The needs of kids now are very different from what they were 10 years ago,” Carol Cavanaugh said.

Batlle-Rafferty called managing conflict a “forever struggle” and part of any superintendent’s job.

She said it was not so much the superintendent who had a difficult time “reaching across the aisle” to people who disagreed with her, but other ad-

ministrators “still had steps to go” to handle issues the way she does.

“You maintained an aura of professionalism in conflicts,” Devlin agreed. She and other members said the superintendent does not let emotions play into her responses to people who disagree with her.

Fargiano also recognized that the superintendent did not “sway for the sake of harmony and peace.”

“Highly-charged conflicts would have made others crumble,” said Nancy Cavanaugh to the superintendent. “You kept moving forward to bring us to the other side.”

The chair said she worried about the superintendent’s longevity in the

district because she often works during vacations “on complicated stuff.”

Batlle-Rafferty said when she first joined the board three years ago, she made it a point to pay attention to how the superintendent would resolve conflicts.

“From that starting point, I’ve seen an incredible increase in your ability to deal with huge external conflicts coming your way.” Batlle-Rafferty said, adding that COVID-19 contributed to the stress of that time period.

She also praised the superintendent’s growth from meeting the legal obligations for special education students to “more thoughtfulness in keeping them in mind.”

Hopkinton Youth Soccer

FALL 2023 REGISTRATION & ACADEMY TRYOUTS

Registration for Foundations & Town Programs May 15 - July 1

Registration for Travel Program May 15 - June 10 Academy Tryouts May 22 - May 25

PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING TO COACH WHEN REGISTERING

FOUNDATIONS PROGRAM

• Registration open May 15 - July 1.

• Kick Start Program must be 4 by 8/31/23.

• Kindergarten Program must be 5 by 8/31/23.

• Saturday mornings only.

TRAVEL PROGRAM

• Registration open May 15 - June 10. Late fees applied and placement not guaranteed after 6/10.

• 3rd - 8th grades play in the BAYS League.

• Weeknight practice & Saturday game.

• Attend Evaluations 6/3, 6/4, 6/10 & 6/11.

TOWN PROGRAM

• Registration open May 15 - July 1.

• 1st grade program and 2nd/3rd grade combined programs.

• Weeknight practice & Saturday game.

REVOLUTION ACADEMY PROGRAM

• Academy tryouts for 2023-2024 season run May 22 - 25.

• Year long program for 3rd - 8th grades.

• Winter training and spring season for 9-12th grades.

• Visit HYS website’s Academy section to register for Tryouts.

SUMMER 2023 PROGRAMS

Future Hillers Soccer Clinic

Current Kindergarten - 5th grades, Hopkinton residents only, June 26 - 28, 9 am - 12 pm. Revolution Academy Summer Clinics (including Goalkeepers) Summer Camp 1, June 27 - 29, 4 - 7 pm • Summer Camp 2, August 1 - 3, 9 am - 12 pm. Current Kindergarten - 7th grades.

Highly-charged conflicts would have made others crumble. You kept moving forward to bring us to the other side.

ESBC chooses ground source heating for school project

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Inwhat was described as one of its most significant decisions, the Elementary School Building Committee on May 9 voted to select an electric ground source heat pump system for the proposed new Elmwood School project.

It took discussion about both fiscal and environmental considerations to ultimately come to a decision.

“It’s our job to look for opportunities to be as responsible as possible — balancing our energy and environmental responsibilities with our fiscal responsibilities,” said ESBC chair Jon Graziano.

He noted that Town Meeting voters are looking at an approximately $170 million project, and the board must seek ways to cut costs without compromising programming and efficiency.

The ground source heat pump (GSHP) option has an estimated “first cost/net zero ready” price tag of $17.7 million, which comprises about 10 percent of the overall school project’s cost.

It involves an energy use intensity (EUI) of 25, projected Mass Save incentives subtracting $2.1 million, and possible maximum benefits of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) bringing costs down by $7.1 million. Its 30-year life cycle cost with Mass Save incentives included totals $39.9 million.

That option compared with an air source heat pump (ASHP) system having 75 percent geothermal, an EUI of 31, first cost of $15.3 million, projected incentives of about $1.4 million for Mass Save and about $4.6 million for IRA, and 30-year life cycle costs of $42.8 million.

Members discussed paying more money upfront for net zero efficiency, receiving higher incentives and a lower life cycle cost versus starting out paying less with less than net zero, getting a lower amount of incentives and paying more over 30 years.

“HVAC [heating, ventilation, air conditioning] is one of the biggest decisions you have to make,” said Jeff D’Amico, project director of Vertex. “It not only drives mechanicals but also electrical costs. Mechanical is intertwined with the electrification of the building.”

D’Amico said low EUI buildings result in having more expensive “envelopes,” because they require thicker insulation, more walls, taller infrastructure, more insulated roofs, etc.

“Low EUI, net zero sustainability have repercussions,” he said. “These are the realities.”

Jess Farber, vice president and managing partner of CMTA Consulting Partners, noted that there is an ability to shift away from 100 percent geothermal to include the air source pumps later on.

It is with the expectation of lower Mass Save funds and IRA incentives. He said it is not clear how the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) disburses those funds likely in the third year. Specifics about the IRA money, although possibly “a windfall,” Farber said, also would be forthcoming.

ESBC member Bill Flannery, representing the Appropriations Committee, said that he appreciated that the initial costs were spelled out without including the incentives to give a truer picture.

He asked, “Where can we find millions to knock this cost down?” referring to

the overall school project. Flannery added costs for town projects keep rising even from month to month.

D’Amico noted the board had completed other major decisions such as grade configuration, location and the size of the building. Next to do after HVAC is choosing either a general contractor or construction manager at risk delivery.

Beyond that, choices about building façade materials, finishes, furnishings and the like would impact the project’s cost.

Earlier, Chris Eberly, senior project manager at Vertex, talked about getting more accurate sizing of the well field,

projected to have 170 wells, a number that could decrease with drilling, testing and analysis.

The test well would serve as the first well of the project, he said. However, D’Amico noted the project is short of money left from feasibility study funds to cover the approximately $53,000 cost as well as other tasks still to be done.

Before the next meeting on May 23, members are hoping to identify funding sources to get the well testing done. Drilling and testing should take a few days, and an additional two weeks is needed for a final report, according to Vertex officials.

Hopkinton High School students

Veer Bhatia, Pranamya Keshkamat, Ashwath Sridhar and Shaurya

Patni took first place in the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference competition last month in Anaheim, California. The HHS students competed in the Network Design team event.

Calling the victory “a testament to our hard work, dedication and teamwork,” Bhatia shared some background on Facebook.

“We designed an effective and scalable network solution for three different baseball stadiums and outlined a detailed network layout, formed a product list, and tracked financials while implementing security and efficiency,” he shared. “We learnt valuable lessons that will serve us well in our future endeavors, including how to organize a written network plan and how to provide large-scale internet access. What I am most proud of is our team growth from states to nationals and how we were able to apply feedback to produce a winning project. This demonstrates our ability to take feedback constructively and use it to improve our work, which is a valuable skill in any profession. We are all very proud of our achievements and our team’s growth.”

HHS Pops Concert May 21

The Hopkinton High School Pops Concert will be held Sunday, May 21, at 3 p.m. at the HHS Athletic Center.

The event will include performances from Noteworthy, the HHS Chorus, Jazz Lab, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra and Concert Band.

Tickets are $5 per person, with a cap of $20 per family. Students and senior citizens are free. Light refreshments will be available.

Abraham earns Merit Scholarship

Hopkinton High School senior Neil Abraham was named a winner of a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. Abraham, who listed consulting as a probable career field, was one of 2,500 students nationwide to receive a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. …

At Stonehill College, Hopkinton’s Lydia Rudden, a philosophy major, was honored at the school’s recent Scholars Celebration.

Also at Stonehill, Brooklyn McDermott-Hyland was inducted into Lambda Epsilon Sigma, Stonehill’s honor society.

May Quiz

1. Paul and Andy are neighbors. Paul’s giant beech tree falls onto Andy’s shed during a windstorm and destroys it. Would Paul’s insurance help pay for the damage since the tree was on his property?

2. Nick and Stephanie live next door to one another. Nick is outside cutting down trees with his chainsaw when one of the trees falls the wrong way and lands on Stephanie’s patio furniture. Would Nick’s insurance help pay for the damage since he caused the tree to fall?

3. Gemma’s tree falls in her backyard and lands on the grass. Luckily it did not hit any structures or cover any pathways. The estimate to remove the fallen tree is $2,000. Would her insurance company help pay the cost?

Answers: 1. No, Andy’s insurance would pay. This is considered an ‘act of god’ and Paul is not liable. 2. Yes, Nick’s insurance would help pay because he is responsible for the tree falling. 3. No, a fallen tree not touching a structure or covering a pathway would not be covered.

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.

Little League spring fundraiser May 19

Hopkinton Little League’s annual spring fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, May 19, from 7-11 p.m. at St. John’s Parish Hall, 20 Church Street. Food and beverages will be provided by Snappy Dogs, Start Line Brewery and Mary’s Fine Wines. Tickets, which include an open bar, are $125 ($100 if ordered before May 5) and can be purchased at hopkintonlittleleague.org. There also will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will be used to improve fields and the overall playing experience.

Greyhound Friends Spring Open House May 20

Greyhound Friends will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Current and past greyhound adopters, supporters and friends, and the general public are invited to attend. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash and up to date on vaccinations. The day’s activities will include a remembrance ceremony, vendors, music, refreshments, a silent auction/raffle and visits with adoptable dogs. For more information or to inquire about being a vendor or volunteer, email greyhoundfriends.office@gmail.com or visit greyhound.org.

Dick Hoyt Memorial Road Race May 27

The inaugural Dick Hoyt Memorial “Yes You Can Run Together” Road Race will take place Saturday, May 27, 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. Proceeds benefit the Hoyt Foundation. For more information, visit TeamHoyt.com.

Become a Dementia Friend June 8

Individuals are invited to become a Dementia Friend by attending an informational program at the Hopkinton Senior Center on Thursday, June 8, from 1-2:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the different types of dementia, what it’s like to live with dementia, and small gestures that make a difference. To register, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-497-9730. The program, open to residents of any town, is sponsored by the Hopkinton Council on Aging.

Fore Paws Golf Tournament June 9

The 10th annual Fore Paws Golf Tournament to benefit Baypath Humane Society will be held Friday, June 9, at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston. The tournament will be a four-person scramble format, beginning with a shotgun start at 1:30 pm. After golf, guests will gather for a night of live auction, delicious cuisine, an awards ceremony, and an update on Baypath’s mission. For more information about participating as a player or sponsor, visit baypathhumane.org.

Touch-a-Truck and Food Festival June 10

The Hopkinton Public Library Foundation’s annual Touch-A-Truck and Food Truck Festival returns to the Hopkinton High School parking lot on Saturday, June 10, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Children can climb on trucks of all kinds, see a police cruiser and fire truck, take a ride on a railroad, and enjoy lunch and desserts from local food trucks and vendors. Tickets are available online and at the event. For more information, visit hplfinc.org.

Owls Up Close presentation at library June 10

The Hopkinton Area Land Trust and the Hopkinton Public Library are sponsor-

ing an event called Owls Up Close on Saturday, June 10, at 1 p.m. at the library. The program, for ages 6 through adult, is led by Marcia and Mark Wilson, who have thrilled audiences of all ages with their live owl presentation for 28 years. Advance registration is required via the library’s website at hopkintonlibrary.org.

Freedom Team Pride Parade at HCA June 11

The Hopkinton Freedom Team, in partnership with Hopkinton Youth & Family Services and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, will host the town’s third annual Pride Parade and Celebration on Sunday, June 11, from 1-4 p.m. The event kicks off with a short parade at 1 p.m., starting at the HCA and going through neighborhood streets. After the parade, the fun and celebration will continue at the HCA with family-friendly performances, food and activities for all. All members of the community are welcome. For more information, visit hopkintonfreedomteam.org or email info@hopkintonfreedomteam.org.

MetroWest K95K at Hopkinton YMCA June 11

The annual MetroWest K95K, a dog-friendly trail run/walk for teams and individuals through the woods at the MetroWest YMCA in Hopkinton, will be held Sunday, June 11, at 10 a.m. The event, which includes music, vendors from the human and animal fields, doggy demonstrations and more, is run by the Ashland Sporting Association and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association Charities. For more information and to register, visit metrowestk95k.com.

Timlin Event at Hopkinton High School June 17

Registration is open for the 20th annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, which will be held at Hopkinton High School on June 17. 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. For more information or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

MBCC Against the Tide at Hopkinton State Park June 17

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host its annual Against the Tide event on Saturday, June 17, 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.

PJB Golf Tournament at Hopkinton Country Club June 19

The Project Just Because Golf Tournament will be held Monday, June 19, at Hopkinton Country Club. The event includes 18 holes of golf, continental breakfast, luncheon, silent auction and raffles, with all proceeds going to the families served by PJB. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. For information about participating or becoming a sponsor, visit projectjustbecause.org, email barb@projectjustbecause.org or call 508-435-6511.

HCA Comedy Night (Take 2)

May 19 | 8 p.m.

The HCA is excited for the return of our Comedy Night when three very, very funny humans will be taking the stage! Headliner Kelly MacFarland — Kelly is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. She has an extensive resume including comedy clubs, theaters, colleges, festivals, films, television appearances and entertaining US troops overseas. Host Mike Koutrobis — has been entertaining audiences as a stand-up comedian for over twenty years. Featured Comedian Justin Hoff — A lot of people say, “Justin was born a comedian,” but he was actually born a little baby in a Boston hospital. It wasn’t until weeks later that he became a comedian.

Treblemakers Spring Concert

May 20 | 7 p.m. and May 21 | 3 p.m.

Come travel with The Treblemakers as the 30-member chorus takes you on a musical trip with songs such as “Route 66,” “Wherever We Go,” “Ease on Down the Road,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “How Far I’ll Go,” “Kokomo,” and more Light refreshments will be served.

Mike Bent’s AbraKIDabra!

June 3 | 3 p.m.

AbraKIDabra is a state-of-the-art magic show that is written specifically for children and combines amazing magic, big laughs, and hilarious surprises for a completely interactive experience. The kids will become part of the show! The only magician to win a “Best of Boston” award from the editors of Boston Magazine! Sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank.

Frank Santos Jr. | Comic, Hypnotist

June 10 | 8 p.m.

Be amazed when you, your friends or strangers across the room become stars of the show, as Frank makes them believe that they are singers, dancers and much, much more. This is a performance where the audience becomes the show. This is a hilarious, energetic and unique show that you will never forget! This show contains mature content and is not recommended for anyone under 21.

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.

Lynda Samdperil

Lynda B. Samdperil, 73, a retired manufacturer’s representative for children’s clothing whose personal style reflected her flair for fashion, died April 19 in Hopkinton.

A 1967 graduate of Hope High School and then of Garland Junior College in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Edwyna Samdperil of Providence and Florida, and the sister of Fredda Korber (Michael) of Colorado and formerly of Barrington, Rhode Island.

A Boston resident for many years, Lynda represented several clothing lines in the Bayside Expo Center.

Born May 2, 1949, in Lowell, she was the aunt of Maurice Dressler (Abigail) of Concord, and Allison Dressler Kramer (Glenn) of Natick.

She was the great-aunt of Charlotte and Teddy Dressler and Talia, Lulu, and Rae Kramer.

Lynda’s love of fashion was evident in both her personal wardrobe and in the decor wherever she lived.

In her later years, visits from her beloved sister, nephew and niece were highlights of her week.

Her sharp wit and strength of character will be deeply missed. A funeral service was held April 23 in the Samuel Priest Chapel at Lincoln Park Cemetery, 1469 Post Road, Warwick, Rhode Island. Arrangements were by Shalom Memorial Chapel. Donations to hospice will be greatly appreciated.

Diane Sullivan

Diane (Di) Moore Sullivan, 79, formerly of Milford, passed away peacefully April 15, with her daughter by her side, at the Golden Pond Community of Hopkinton.

Diane is preceded in death by her loving husband of 21 years, John (Jack) Sullivan, who passed away in 2010.

Diane leaves her daughter, Tracie Svenson McWade, Tracie’s husband, Paul, and their daughter, Tristan Diane McWade, whom Diane adored with all of her heart, of Milford, two brothers, Jeffrey P. Moore and wife Nancy of Clinton, and Stephen J. Moore and wife Linda of Worcester, and sister-in-law Lois Moore of Worcester. She leaves her dear nieces and nephews, William R. Moore IV, Hilary Doyle, Nathan Moore, and Gregory Moore, Jillian Moore and Griffin Moore (her godson).

Diane is preceded in death by her beloved parents, William R. Moore II and Caroline (Washburn) Moore, her brothers William R. (Terry) Moore III and Gregory Moore, and her nephew Chad Moore.

She also leaves five stepchildren, for whom she cared so much: John J. Sullivan Jr. and wife Annie of Methuen, Scott Sullivan of Chelmsford, Valerie Santos and husband Kenneth of Lowell, Michael Sullivan of Tyngsboro, and Sandra Thurston and husband Donald of Nashua, New Hampshire. She also leaves 19 step-grandchildren: Adam Hughes, Sarah Forde, John J. (JJ) Sullivan, III, Stephanie Delanois, Thomas Sullivan, Matthew Campbell, Timothy Campbell, Ryan Campbell, Taylor Campbell, Cody Campbell, Timothy Sullivan, Hannah Neale, Holly Neale, Nicholas Santos, Cameron Santos, Daniel Santos, Christopher Sullivan, Alex Thurston and Jennifer Thurston, and 12 great-step-grandchildren.

Diane is preceded in death by her stepdaughters Christine Hughes and Sheree Campbell, and her step-granddaughter Jillian Sullivan.

Diane grew up in Worcester as well as Bloomfield Hills,

Michigan, and lived in Milford for most of the last 30 years. She graduated from North High School in Worcester and the Chandler School for Women in Boston, where she earned an associate degree. She married her ex-spouse who preceded her in death, Orlin S. Svenson.

Diane began her career as a secretary/receptionist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She later joined her brothers Terry and Steve on the staff at Deluxe Check Printers, where she worked for more than 20 years. Diane, who held a strong work ethic, also worked at several other companies until she retired at the age of 72.

Diane and Jack met and married later in life and enjoyed many wonderful memories together and with each of their families.

Diane loved gardening and flowers. She spent years of her life enjoying the sunshine and beaches with Jack, the family and friends in seaside towns including Westport, the Maine communities of Kennebunkport and Wells, and Naples, Florida. Most importantly, she cherished and cared so deeply for the time she spent with Jack, the family and friends.

Diane’s family would like to thank Djenane (Nane) Hanna, Diane’s aide, for the unwavering care she provided to Diane. Nane continuously brought a smile to Diane’s face and will forever be held close in Diane’s daughter’s heart. Diane’s family also would like to thank Brookhaven Hospice and Chaplain Donna Painchaud for her invaluable support and guidance about how the last moments of Diane’s life were so beautiful.

A funeral service was held April 28 at All Saints Church in Worcester, followed by burial at Rural Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org in memory of Diane Sullivan.

Richard C. Stewart

A celebration of life and memorial Mass in honor of Richard C. “Dick” Stewart will be held Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton (20 Church Street). A light lunch will follow at the parish hall.

Dick Stewart, a 1949 Hopkinton High School graduate and longtime resident, passed away Dec. 12 at the age of 91. An Army veteran, he served with the Hopkinton Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and eventual deputy chief.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, 112 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Financial advisor Mark Freeman is a portfolio problem solver

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By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

Whenwork travel became too much for Mark Freeman and his family, he decided it was time to make his hobby his new career. “My mom was a CPA, and she got me into investing right out of college,” he explains. “From my 20s on, I was spending up to two hours a day on Yahoo Finance.” That passion paid off with Freeman finding the perfect professional fit as a financial advisor with Edward Jones. “It’s a job I love doing,” he says.

Prior to his career in finance, Freeman worked as an engineer and later as a software sales representative. “When I was in sales, I was encouraged to move on quickly after making a sale, and I didn’t enjoy that because I wanted to develop relationships with clients,” he says. “As a financial advisor, this job requires you to understand people and really develop a connection so you can provide individualized advice.”

Freeman says that when it comes to personal finance, people struggle with managing multiple goals. They might already be putting away money for retirement, for example, but soon additional factors come into play. “They start thinking: ‘How do I pay for college? How do I get a bigger house?’ ” Freeman explains. “The problem starts getting more complex, and that’s where I come in and identify what’s really important to them and put a plan together.”

With many local financial advisors to choose from, Freeman says his engineering background makes him unique. “I’m always asking ‘Why?’ and I’m always asking what can go wrong,” he says. “When I was an engineer, I created predictive equations based on looking at

how things performed in the past. And that’s what I’m doing now with people’s portfolios.”

Edward Jones as a company also stands out among its competitors, Freeman says. “When I was interviewing with other companies, they spoke more about what was in it for advisors versus clients. Edward Jones, by contrast, spoke more about how its services benefit clients, and that was important to me.”

Integrity is especially meaningful to Freeman given his community connections. He lives in nearby Holliston, and his office is on Main Street in Hopkinton. “I love the Hopkinton community,” he says. “I’m also glad to sponsor organizations like the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and the Hopkinton Moms Group.”

Freeman insists on crediting his wife when it comes to his success as an advisor and father. “She has really helped me and our daughters through everything,” he says. “Raising kids is challenging, especially with us both having demanding jobs, but we’ve been able to balance it because of how smart and intuitive she is.”

Money is one of the biggest things people argue about in relationships, Freeman says. “So, my job is to eliminate that.” Whether it’s saving for retirement or buying a first home, Freeman concludes that it all comes down to one thing: “I’m giving them advice to reduce stress in their life.”

For more information, contact Mark Freeman at 508-293-4017 or email Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com.

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

Mark Freeman lives in Holliston with his wife and daughters.

Grant’s Septic Techs uses education to extend life of septic systems

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

The septic system industry is “not that pretty,” says Derek Grant, chief operating officer at Grant’s Septic Techs. “It’s kind of a crappy industry — no pun intended,” he adds with a laugh. But the Grant family sees the beauty in providing homeowners with peace of mind regarding their properties’ most inner workings.

Derek Grant’s grandfather, William, started the business in 1961, and his father, Daniel, later became the owner. Today, Derek and his brother, Brandon, are running the show. After more than six decades in the field, the Grants have seen it all and strive to share that knowledge with the community.

“Our whole mission is to help homeowners decrease their spending on septic system maintenance while ensuring their systems last,” Grant says. “We’re doing that through educational content and through maintenance tests, programs and evaluations.”

The company recently launched a maintenance program to help customers save money and avoid unnecessary pumping. “Typically, homeowners are pumping every one to three years, and often pumping is not needed,” Grant explains. “But people do it because they’re nervous about their system, and they don’t know what’s going on.”

Rather than having homeowners spend $400-$500 every one to three years, the company will perform an annual inspection through its $11.95 per month maintenance plan. If it’s determined that pumping is needed, clients then receive 25% off pumping services.

During an initial evaluation, techs recommend a program catered to each home. “It might be a basic maintenance program that’s needed,” Grant explains, “or we might need to take a system that’s on its way to failure and repair it to keep it lasting up to 80 years, which could save homeowners $20,000-$30,000.”

Grant says the biggest misconception homeowners have is that if they pump their tank every one to two years, their system will never fail. “Think about your car. If you said, ‘Yeah, if I change my oil filter more often, my car is going to last forever.’ We all know it’s not going to last forever,” he says, “and it’s the same with septic systems.” On that note, if another company says a system has failed, Grant encourages seeking a second opinion. “Sometimes, companies won’t do a full inspection, and it could be another issue,” he says.

Water usage is the number one cause of failure, Grant explains. He also stresses “do not flush” rules: so-called “flushable” wipes, hair, menstrual products and essentially anything besides toilet paper should not be placed in the toilet. The company also suggests minimizing the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and using garbage disposals

sparingly, since food waste does not get broken down in the septic tank.

Knowing the location of a tank also is important so homeowners can avoid parking above the system and planting trees or shrubs whose roots may lead to clogs.

“Our biggest goal is to help educate people across Massachusetts, customers or not, on the

best methods to ensure their septic systems will last as long as possible — protecting their homes, wallets and the environment,” Grant says. To learn more, visit grantsseptictechs.com or call 508-529-6255.

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

Milford Regional recognizes Cole for volunteerism

BUSINESS BRIEFS

During April’s National Volunteer Week, Milford Regional Medical Center bestowed the Presidential Service Award to five of its volunteers — including Hopkinton’s Bob Cole — to recognize the significant number of hours they have volunteered at the hospital. The Presidential Service Award acknowledges the impact volunteers have on organizations while also inspiring others to act. Each recipient received a certificate signed by President Joe Biden Cole has volunteered 5,116 hours over the last 24 years.

“Our dedicated and loyal volunteers provide an invaluable service that not only benefits our staff and patients but from their perspective, is a rewarding way to spend time, learn new skills and meet new people,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Milford Regional Medical Center and Healthcare System Edward J. Kelly. “It is a gift to have these volunteers as long-time stewards of our commitment to our community.”

Meanwhile, Milford Regional Medical Center received an ‘A’ Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2023. This marks the 10th consecutive time the hospital has received the top grade from the Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization that is focused on patient safety and quality. The distinction recognizes Milford Regional’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error while in the hospital.

“The staff at Milford Regional remains steadfast in making certain patient safety is the highest priority,” said Kelly. “The commitment and dedication of our entire staff is the reason we proudly continue to set the highest standards when it comes to our patients’ well-being.”

Jun-O’Connell joins MRPG

Milford Regional Physician Group recently announced that Hopkinton resident Adalia Jun-O’Connell, M.D., MBA, has joined Milford Regional Neurology, located in the Hill Health Building at Milford Regional Medical Center, and is accepting new patients.

Jun-O’Connell, who speaks English and Korean, previously worked at UMass Memorial Medical Center, where she was a staff physician and neurology quality officer, responsible for providing

safe, high quality neurological care to patients.

She earned her medical degree from UMass Chan Medical School and MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass. She completed her residency in combined psychiatry and neurology and fellowship in vascular neurology at UMass Chan, where she also holds a faculty appointment as associate professor of neurology.

A board-certified psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist and a vascular neurologist, Jun-O’Connell has a special interest in ischemic stroke, post-stroke recovery, acute management of stroke and cerebrovascular disease. Her additional interests focus on surveillance and management of post-stroke fatigue, mood symptoms, cognitive change and motor recovery.

HCA adds Zuretti to board

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts announced that Amanda Zuretti, an attorney with Bowditch & Dewey, LLP and resident of Milford, has been named to the Board of Directors for the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. HCA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving the Metrowest region. HCA develops artistic skills, offers outstanding performances and art exhibitions, and enables visitors to experience art in all forms. Under one roof, HCA celebrates art through classes and events in visual art, theater, music, dance, ceramics, and film.

At Bowditch, Zuretti focuses her practice on real estate, land use, municipal law.

“We are delighted to welcome Amanda to the HCA Board,” HCA Executive Director Kelly Grill shared. “Beyond her impressive professional resume, she has a passion for the arts and nonprofits that will enrich HCA’s goals as we continue our mission to be the Metrowest region’s cultural destination.”

Hopkinton UniBank gets new manager

Bo Daley was named regional manager at UniBank’s Hopkinton location. According to the company, Daley “brings over 22 years of experience and a focus on building deeper connections with clients in an effort to help them achieve their financial goals.”

The family team behind Grant’s Septic Techs includes (from left) Brandon, Daniel and Derek Grant.

HHS fields first girls golf team

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School has long had one of the top high school boys golf programs in the state. Now this spring, for the first time, the Hillers are fielding a girls golf team. Coach Bill Phaneuf wasn’t sure what kind of turnout to expect, and the 19-player roster he has exceeded even his most optimistic hopes.

“We had a way bigger turnout than we ever thought; 19 girls is literally unheard of,” Phaneuf said. “We play teams sometimes that are struggling to put seven or eight in a match, and I thought that’s where we might be.”

When Phaneuf, who also coaches the boys team, reached out to the Hillers community, he encouraged beginners to come out for the team. Some of his players did not have golf clubs and had never played the game, but he stressed that all were welcome.

“We encouraged them to come out, but we told them you might not get any match play and you might not get any on-course practice time, you have to show some ability to hit a ball before we can get you on the course,” Phaneuf said. “We are going to get everyone as much experience as possible, and they are all still here, no one has dropped off.”

The first HHS girls golf team is a few years in the making. Phaneuf first discussed the idea with Hopkinton administration when he took over the boys team four years ago, but the pandemic put the plans on the shelf until last year, when the effort was renewed to get a team on the course this spring.

Senior captains Emma Canestrari and Lindsay Hong played for Phaneuf with the boys program for two years

before opting to pass on last fall’s season in hopes that the girls team would come to fruition this spring.

“It was a risk,” Phaneuf said. “If we had a total of four girls come out, we could not have fielded a team. But they chose to basically start and head up this first-year program. They are super leaders.”

Phaneuf said he encouraged the duo to take on this pioneering role with the new program.

“There is only going to be one first team in Hopkinton girls golf, and this is it, it will never happen again,” he said. “They liked that, and they liked the idea of being captains and leaders.”

They are leading a team that is showing significant promise for the future. Freshman Leah Hong (Lindsay’s sister) has been the team’s No. 3 player. Phaneuf said he met Hong three years ago and was impressed by her swing.

“She has a really beautiful swing,” he said. “I told her, ‘Keep playing, and I will see you in a couple of years.’ I think she is going to be a star for us starting next year, she will probably be the No. 1 player.”

Another freshman, Ella Fowler, also is showing promise and athleticism and the ability to hit some great shots on the course. Junior Allie Sheehan has also been playing in the team’s top five and figures to take over more of a leadership role next year.

Hopkinton is playing in what Phaneuf described as a makeshift league of programs in the area that have the ability to put a girls team on the course. With such a large roster, Phaneuf already is thinking about the future of the program and continuing to have more success in a golf-crazed town.

“It’s going to be really cool,” he said.

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Senior captains Emma Canestrari and Lindsay Jong previously played for the boys golf team before taking a chance and helping to start the girls program.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Hillers baseball looks for another deep tourney run

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

The Hopkinton High School baseball team has a new coach this spring but the same goals in mind. Matt Anderson took the helm of the program from Steve Simoes and inherited a deep and talented roster and a program that is no stranger to playing well into June.

“Our goals are lofty in this program,” Anderson said. “Over the past three years, we were in two state finals, and last year we were in the elite eight. That sets the bar pretty high for us, but I think we are capable of doing big things again this year.”

Hopkinton’s primary goal is to get to the tournament, but Anderson said competing for the Tri-Valley League title also is something the Hillers hope to accomplish. He said the transition to a new coach has been smooth.

“I am taking over for a guy that had a lot of success and who I consider to be a legend,” Anderson said. “The kids have bought in, and that’s the difficult part, you don’t know if they will buy in. They have been outstanding since day one.”

Sophomore Mitch Simulis has been a standout, and Anderson called him the team’s best hitter who also will be a big contributor on the mound once he gets over an early season arm injury.

Senior captain Joe Carrazza, the coach said, is a “game changer” at the plate.

“He battles at the plate, he gets extra-base hits, he hits the ball to all fields and he runs extremely well,” Anderson said, adding that Carrazza “single-handedly” won a game against

Holliston this spring. “We are a different lineup when he is in there.”

Sophomore Dylan Ruff is a “star” at shortstop, Anderson said, touting the middle infielder’s athleticism.

“He has shown mental toughness,” Anderson said. “He had one bad game, and he came back against Dedham and made every big play like nothing had happened. It’s not easy for a sophomore to do that.”

Junior Charlie Petruney brings both speed and character to the Hillers, according to his coach.

“He is an all-around good kid to have,” Anderson said. “His defense has been a big part of our success, and offensively he has had a lot of big hits. He steals bases, and he’s a pest on the base paths.”

Peter Mahon, a junior, has caught every inning for Hopkinton while Joe Scardino, a senior, is a strong third baseman who has been dependable on the offensive end as well. Senior captain Connor Hallenbeck is the starting right fielder.

“He’s a great kid overall,” Anderson said of Hallenbeck. “Anytime circumstances are difficult, he is the guy who takes charge and makes sure we stay even keel.”

Sophomore Nick Pedroli is a player with “a very bright future,” Anderson added. “He’s a future star and he’s battled with upperclassmen to earn time on the field. He’s done everything well at the plate, he’s one of our best defensive outfielders, and he’s an outstanding baserunner.”

Hopkinton also boasts a deep pitching staff. Captain Frank Oppedisano has provided significant contributions on the mound in addition to playing a versatile utility role in the field. Charlie Simulis (Mitch’s older brother) is the ace of the staff and a strong two-strike hitter at the plate, and Derek Hatherley is another standout on the hill.

“I believe he is a future college pitcher,” Anderson said. “He dominated against our toughest opponent, Xaverian, and came into a game against North Attleboro and mowed their hitters down.”

Anderson said he has a mix of talent that could have the Hillers making noise once again come tournament time, especially since Hopkinton is taking on a particularly challenging schedule.

“Our chemistry and support of each other is our biggest strength,” he said. “When we get to the tournament, we are going to be battle-tested and a tough out.”

Joe Scardino swings at a pitch during a game last month against Xaverian.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

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 508497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Annual Friends of the Seniors Plant and Book Sale

Friday, May 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (book sale only)

Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (plant and book sale)

A large variety of vegetables, flowers and plants grown and donated by greenhouse volunteers will be available at rockbottom prices. Seeds have been started for over a dozen varieties of tomato plants, including heirlooms. There also will be a wide selection of gardening books, as well as cookbooks, children’s books, antique books, DVDs, CDs and much more. As part of this fundraiser, donations are accepted from the community in the form of potted vegetables, herbs, annuals and perennials. Potted plant donations can be dropped off (in clean containers) at the Senior Center on May 17 and 18.

The Golden Age of Hollywood

Thursday, May 25, 1 p.m.

Fashion on the silver screen during the

For more information on any of the following programs or 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.

Schedule update

The library will be closed on Saturday, May 27, and Monday, May 29, for the Memorial Day weekend.

Chat ‘n’ Chew Book Group

Wednesday, May 17, 12:30-2

Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read during the month. All book reviews will be posted to Facebook to share with the Hopkinton reading community.

Great Hikes In New England For Families

Wednesday, May 17, 7-8 p.m.

In this Zoom program, author Sarah Lamagna will discuss her new book, “Hiking with Kids New England: 50 Great Hikes for Families.”

The Trial of the Lincoln Assassination Conspirators

Saturday, May 20, 12-1 p.m.

This Zoom presentation dispels many of the commonly held myths about the murder of our 16th president. Although assassin John Wilkes Booth fired the gun that killed Abraham Lincoln, there were many fingers on that trigger. This discussion is led by the Hon. Dennis J. Curran, retired Massachusetts Superior Court justice.

Author Talk with Courtney Summers

Saturday, May 20, 2-3 p.m.

Courtney Summers is the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of several novels for young adults, including “Cracked Up to Be,” “All the Rage” and

’30s, ’40s and ’50s was not only glamorous and influential but was enjoyed as an “escape” from the problems of each decade. In the Depression era, folks could attend the movies as a way to forget their current circumstances, while the films served as both escapism and news reporting during the long years of World War II. Finally, 1950s movies continued to show elegant fashions that were inspiring to the audiences of that period, but the advent of television caused fashion influence to be split between the silver screen and the smaller TV in America’s homes. Attendees will travel through the decades and enjoy a glimpse into the glamor of that golden age. This program is presented by Ren Antonowicz of Spirit of Fashion.

Our Time Memory Cafe

Thursday, June 1, 1 p.m.

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

Cultural Conversations: Historic Sights of Warsaw

Tuesday, June 6, 1-2 p.m.

“Sadie.” Her work has been released to multiple starred reviews, received numerous awards and honors. This program is on Zoom.

Spring Clean Your Life with Connie Hallinan: Three Steps to the Life You Want

Tuesday, May 23, 7-8 p.m.

To compose, to choreograph, to author one’s future, an individual needs to incorporate awareness, acknowledgment and action into their daily lives. The topics covered in this Zoom program include habit formation, cognitive theory of change, mindfulness, acceptance, responsibility and implementation.

Mending 101: Creative patches, embroidered repairs, funky fixes

Tuesday, May 30, 6-7:30 p.m.

Librarian and fiber artist Danielle Cook will present a quick rundown on how to make small repairs to clothing. Participants can bring something from their closet that they’d like to work on, or just attend to learn some techniques and practice stitches. This will be a self-directed class, with the host available to give advice, do short demos and lend support. There also will be resources for more complex repairs and some books on hand that individuals can take home to continue their mending journey.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Wednesday, May 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome. This group meets on the second and last Wednesdays of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, June 1, 2-7 p.m.

Registration is available at the Red Cross website at rcblood.org/3AmuYsP.

This virtual tour will visit Krakowskie Przedmieście, one of the most important streets in the city, and make its way to Old Town to take in the spirit of historic Warsaw. Participants will see places related to the life of Marie Curie and Frederic Chopin, learn how many mermaids are in the city, discover where the Round Table meetings were held, and see where Mick Jagger ate cabbage and mushroom pierogis. The tour guide will entertain with stories, anecdotes and curiosities about the

capital of Poland.

Become a Dementia Friend

Thursday, June 8, 1-2:30 p.m.

In this 90-minute session, open to residents of all towns, community members will learn about dementia and how to be inclusive and welcoming to those living with cognitive and memory impairments. For more information or to make a reservation, call 508-497-9730 or email sdocknevich@gmail.com.

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ARRESTS

May 6

6:37 p.m. Officers Cody Normandin and Matthew LaTour conducted a motor vehicle stop on South Street and arrested a 22-year-old Milford resident on a warrant for revoked license and no insurance.

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

April 25

8:22 a.m. Officer Brittany Firth reported a school bus struck a mailbox on Smith Road. Sergeant William Burchard responded to assist and reported minor damage to the mailbox.

8:42 a.m. A Kimball Road resident complained of a tree company truck parked at the end of the road in front of a fire hydrant for over an hour. Officer Brittany Firth responded and the vehicle was gone upon her arrival.

3:26 p.m. A walk-in reported a wire from a telephone pole

damaged his car. Officer Robert Ekross took a report.

7:17 p.m. A Third Road caller reported her small brown dog had been missing for two hours. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and checked the area with a negative find.

7:18 p.m. An anonymous caller complained of a vehicle speeding on Teresa Road and provided the license plate. Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke with the driver, who was to slow down.

7:52 p.m. A caller reported an intoxicated woman got in to her car on Hayward Street and was driving. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

April 26

8:56 a.m. A caller on Hayden Rowe Street reported receiving harassing phone calls. Officer Brittany Firth assisted and took a report.

1:29 p.m. A walk-in complained that the drug take-back event at the Senior Center ended early. The complaint was logged.

2:59 p.m. A Pleasant Street resident reported her two dogs escaped from her yard. The animal control officer was notified. The caller called back and reported the dogs were back home.

3:07 p.m. The Milford Police Department requested assistance with crowd control for a incident involving hazardous

materials on Main Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and assisted.

4:28 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a pole on Morse Lane. Officer Shannon Beloin and Robert Ekross responded and contacted Eversoure to shut off the power to the pole and notified Verizon about a compromised pole. The vehicle was towed. No personal injuries were reported.

April 28

12:37 p.m. Officer Brittany Firth took a report of an assault on Hayden Rowe Street.

1:59 p.m. A caller reported a well-being check of a daughter who was suicidal. The call was transferred to the Hanover Police Department, where the daughter was.

6:32 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle crash on Main Street and issued a written warning to one operator. No personal injuries were reported.

7:21 p.m. A caller reported suspicious activity on Legacy Farms South. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Matthew LaTour checked the area with a negative find.

8:20 p.m. The Northbridge Police Department requested assistance with contacting a Downey Street resident who left her car running at a service station in Northbridge. Officer Cody Normandin responded and made contact with the resident.

April 29

1:19 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker spoke with parties who had parked at the high school on Hayden Rowe Street and were throwing a football around. All was OK.

1:46 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley checked on Pratt Way property.

1:47 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley made checks of the Fruit Street fields.

6:56 a.m. A Kimball Road resident reported workers starting loud work before 8 a.m. in violation of town bylaw. Officer Sean McKeon responded and informed the crew about the bylaw.

8:05 a.m. A caller complained of a disabled motor vehicle taking up a lane of traffic on West Main Street. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and reported the operator was getting gas and would be moving the car in a few minutes.

9:00 a.m. A concerned South Mill Street caller reported someone cutting down trees in his backyard. Officer Sean McKeon responded and spoke with the homeowner.

11:59 a.m. A caller reported a possible illegal burn on Hillcrest Drive. Officer Shannon Beloin responded along with the Fire Department.

5:14 p.m. A Clinton Street caller reported her miniature schnauzer had been missing for about 90 minutes. Officer Cody Normandin searched the area with a negative find and notified the animal control officer.

April 30

12:12 a.m. A caller reported a male looking disoriented and walking down Hayden Rowe Street. Officers Augusto Diaz and Brennan Grimley responded, and the individual was gone upon their arrival.

11:37 a.m. A Pond Street caller reported he works for a newspaper and has received some threatening comments. Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.

2:18 p.m. A caller reported a tree in the roadway of Kruger Road. Officer Cody Normandin responded and moved most of the tree out of the road. The Ashland Police Department was advised.

2:19 p.m. Officer Sean McKeon responded to a motor vehicle accident

involving two cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck removed one vehicle.

6:32 p.m. A caller reported a small dog loose on East Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and retrieved the dog and took it to its owner.

6:33 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil assisted the Fire Department with a transformer issue on Lyn Path. Eversource was contacted.

9:45 p.m. A Woodview Way resident reported someone was parked in her handicap parking spot. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and contacted a tow company. The reporting person requested to lave a note instead of towing the vehicle.

May 1

1:07 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley removed a branch from the roadway on Hayward Street and notified Eversource of a low-hanging wire.

6:42 a.m. A motorist reported an erratic and aggressive operator tailgating him, swerving and honking his horn on Cedar Street. Officers Augusto Diaz and Brennan Grimley responded and followed the vehicle to the Price Chopper parking lot on West Main Street and spoke to the operator.

7:40 a.m. A Woodview Way caller reported a maintenance worker assaulted one of her movers while she was in the process of moving. Officer Tyler Staback responded and spoke with the reporting person and the victim and attempted to speak with the other involved party. A report was taken.

8:39 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle with Florida license plates and right frontend damage parked in their parking lot for over a week. Officer Cody Normandin responded and spoke with the reporting person about a tow.

9:11 a.m. A Grove Street resident reported a truck drove over his lawn and knocked over a political sign, and he wanted the incident logged.

9:31 a.m. A caller reported he was driving on Stoney Brook Road and a vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign and nearly hit him. Officer Cody Normandin spoke with the caller.

12:13 p.m. Officer Sean McKeon notified Verizon about a low-hanging cable wire on Ray Street.

May 2

7:11 a.m. A caller reported a mattress in the roadway of West Main Street. Officer Tyler Staback moved it off the road and notified the DPW.

8:07 a.m. A First Road caller reported his wallet containing a firearms identification card was either stolen or lost. Officer Sean McKeon assisted and took a report.

9:29 a.m. A Cross Street caller reported being harassed online. Officer Robert Ekross took a report.

10:12 a.m. A caller reported he lost his iPad at Town Meeting and wanted it logged.

May 3

7:45 a.m. A caller reported her vehicle was broken into on South Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked for video footage from nearby businesses and took a report.

7:58 a.m. A caller reported finding a wallet and leaving it at the Dunkin’ on South Street. The information was logged.

12:55 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross found a low-hanging wire on Spring Street and notified Verizon. Caution tape and a cone were place in the area.

1:27 p.m. A manager from a local company reported an Ash Street resident claimed one of the company’s trucks struck the resident’s mailbox, but footage from the truck shows that such an incident did

not occur. The caller wanted the incident logged in the event that the resident files a report.

2:56 p.m. A security company on South Street reported an ongoing complaint of dirt bikers on its property. Officer Robert Ekross spoke with the caller and gave advice. The complaint was logged.

3:32 p.m. A caller reported someone was using his credit card information to pay for an order at a pizza place in town. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Cody Normandin and Matthew LaTour responded and took a report of fraud.

5:23 p.m. Dell security staff on South Street reported youths riding dirt bikes through their parking lot and through their leech fields, ruining them. Officer Matthew LaTour responded. The bikers were gone upon his arrival.

9:37 p.m. A caller requested a wellbeing check of a person who was walking and swaying on the side of the roadway on Cedar Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked on the person, who was walking home from the train station.

May 4

1:24 p.m. A South Mill Street walk-in reported his son lost his flute and wanted the incident logged.

4:56 p.m. A caller reported teenagers coming out of an abandoned house on Mount Auburn Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Matthew LaTour and Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

5:12 p.m. A caller reported someone paid with fake $5 bills at the snack shack over the weekend. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.

6:54 p.m. A caller reported stolen mail on Main Street. Officers Cody Normandin and Matthew LaTour responded and took a report of fraud.

8:09 p.m. A caller reported a growling squirrel on Main Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and attempted to poke it, but it wouldn’t move. A message was left for the animal control officer.

11:39 p.m. A Woodview Way caller reported threats being made against an elementary school in Framingham. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Walker responded and took a report.

May 5

7:27 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Cody Normandin responded to a motor vehicle accident on Rocky Woods Road and took a report. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck was requested.

11:50 a.m. A Smith Road resident reported a contractor cutting down trees that shouldn’t be cut down. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Sean McKeon responded and assisted the caller in speaking with the tree company. There was a misunderstanding, an all was resolved.

1:41 p.m. A caller reported a person slumped over on Cedar Street. Officers Cody Normandin and Sean McKeon responded and assisted the individual.

11:42 p.m. A Queen Anne Road resident reported her nephew was housesitting and he heard something and believed someone was trying to break into the house, so he took off. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Augusto Diaz and Matthew LaTour responded, checked the house and found nothing suspicious.

May 6

1:40 p.m. A caller reported she received an unemployment card in the mail, but she did not file for unemployment. Officer Shannon Beloin took a report of fraud.

3:44 p.m. A motorist reported a young male driver made a U-turn at West Main Police log | page 28

police log

Police log | from page 27

Street and South Street and nearly collided with the caller. The license plate number was provided, and the incident was logged.

4:06 p.m. A caller reported a toolbox was in the roadway on Lumber Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and removed the hazard.

4:17 p.m. A walk-in handed in a wallet containing money and ID found at an ATM. The owner went to the station to pick it up.

9:36 p.m. An Elm Street resident complained of someone playing loud music in the neighborhood. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and reported there was a party on Elm Street that had since ended.

May 7

2:38 p.m. The Upton Police Department advised of four bikers doing wheelies and operating erratically on West Main Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded. They were gone upon his arrival.

3:14 p.m. A caller reported a dog on her West Main Street property. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and took the black poodle to the front desk at the station. The animal control officer was contacted.

5:26 p.m. A caller reported a boat containing six people was sinking and the people were on an island in the State Park. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Shannon Beloin responded along with the Fire Department to assist.

6:57 p.m. A caller reported a male lying on outside steps on Revolutionary Way, and it was unknown if he was responding.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and officer Shan-

non Beloin responded, found the person responsive and took him to the station.

9:54 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin placed a male in protective custody.

May 8

8:48 a.m. Sergeants Matthew McNeil, Arthur Schofield and Timothy Brennan responded to a report of suspicious activity on Cunningham Street.

2:39 p.m. A Constitution Court resident requested to speak with the police chief after Quincy police took his license to carry and guns. Sergeant Matthew McNeil spoke to the caller and assisted.

3:23 p.m. An East Main Street caller reported a small brown dog in her backyard. The animal control officer was contacted.

4:44 p.m. A Weybridge Lane resident reported his dog was attacked by a neighbor’s dog. Officers Shannon Beloin and Robert Ekross responded and notified the animal control officer.

5:40 p.m. A Lakeshore Drive caller reported someone struck a mirror on her car. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and took a report.

6:13 p.m. A caller reported she needed help moving a large turtle that she could not lift on Huckleberry Road. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and checked the area with a negative find on a tortoise.

8:15 p.m. A caller reported four teenagers on dirt bikes riding behind Weston Lane on a dirt pile. Officer Shannon Beloin responded. The youths were gone upon her arrival.