HI 5.3.23

Springwood surprised by tree clearing

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

Public officials joined Springwood neighborhood residents in expressing surprise and frustration last week regarding a state-approved permit allowing a developer to cut down 60 acres of trees with no prior notification to the town, with concerns that a solar array was planned for the property.

The work started in early April, abutters Brooke Ferencsik and Michael Cooper told the Hopkinton Independent on April 25. There was no notification to abutters about the activity, they said, and they found out about it when they heard the cutting machines at the property behind Kimball Road.

“It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks,” said Cooper, noting he found out when he drove by the property and heard the saws. “What’s extra frustrating now is that we’re at a point where we feel powerless to stop it.”

Added Ferencsik: “For two weeks,

School Committee candidates debate issues

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

School Committee candidates Ashley Fogg and Susan Stephenson took center stage as two of the three candidates vying for two open threeyear terms during the annual Meet the Candidates Night held April 26 at the HCAM studio.

The third candidate, Democrat Adam Munroe, was unable to attend due to a prior commitment for a national nursing education summit in Texas. In his stead, Select Board chair Amy Ritterbusch, who is seeking her second term, read an introductory statement about him.

Ashley Fogg

and

Stephenson, two of the three candidates vying for the two available seats on the School Committee, pose for a photo prior to the Hopkinton Women’s Club Meet the Candidates Night on April 26.

(left)

Susan

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Hopkinton High School lacrosse player Logan DelPonte closes in on the Holliston goal during a recent game.

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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The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s annual Restaurant Week is set to run from May 5-14 — from Cinco de Mayo until Mother’s Day. The event is designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore the town’s restaurants, many of whom will be offering special meals and deals. It was started two years ago to help restaurants emerge from the pandemic and has become an annual highlight.

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY SPAR

“I know all the restaurants, they really get a jolt of business,” Chamber of Commerce vice president Bryan Brown

said. “They see customers they don’t normally see. So it’s driving new business, and they’re trying new menu items. They’re having a lot of fun with it, and they’re having a lot of success with it.”

Brown said people have reached out to ask about the event, and he’s expecting a good turnout. Fellow Chamber of Commerce businesses along with the town are supporting the event primarily by paying for marketing.

“We want it to be bigger and better than in past years,” Brown said. “We’re dedicating that week-and-a-half to focus on the local businesses in town. They have committed to stepping up and providing new menu items and trying new things. The other chamber businesses have stepped up to help the restaurants Independent thoughts | 3

May 5-14 Restaurant Week aims to be ‘bigger and better’

Alltown Fresh, which opened last summer, will participate in its first Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week this month.

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

thrive. We’re asking the customers to do the same. Try new restaurants and see what they’re all about.”

Participating restaurants (as of late April) include Alltown Fresh, Angel’s Cafe/Red Barn Coffee Roasters, Bill’s Downtown Pizzeria & Bar, Central Public House, Chef’s Kitchen on Main, Cornell’s Irish Pub, Hop-Yo, Orale, The Spoon/The Spoonery, Start Line Brewing and 110 Grill.

Season for plant sales

We didn’t get a ton of April showers, but there will be plenty of May flowers around this month.

For those looking to build up their gardens, there are two big plant sale fundraisers upcoming.

On Saturday, May 13, the Hopkinton Garden Club will host its annual Spring Plant Sale from 8 a.m. until noon at the Town Common.

Then on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20, the Senior Center will hold its annual sale at the Senior Center.

The Garden Club event is the major annual fundraiser for the organization, whose goal is to “promote and teach gardening, horticulture and floral design; to develop and encourage community spirit through town beautification; and to assist, promote, and contribute to town conservation efforts.”

The sale helps fund the club’s town beautification efforts, educational programs and community project initiatives.

Club members have been growing annuals and perennials for the sale, which will include a wide variety of flowers, hanging planters, vegetables, herbs and house plants.

Also at the Garden Club event, the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (MMGA) will have trained volunteers staffing a horticultural education booth. They will answer questions about the Master Gardener organization and address plant problems and garden design issues (visitors are advised to bring photos).

The Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee will present information about composting and environmentally safer gardening practices, including using native plants that can be purchased at the sale.

In response to the rapidly spreading jumping worm infestation across Massachusetts, club members are taking extra precautions. Further information on jumping worms will be available at the sale.

The Garden Club, which turns 100 next year, is an affiliate of The Garden

Club Federation of Massachusetts. Visit hopkintongardenclub.org for more information.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Hopkinton Seniors will host its annual fundraising sale the following weekend.

“We will have a variety of tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and flowers grown by our members in the center’s greenhouse as well as donated plants, all at rock bottom prices!” the organization shared.

There also will be a wide selection of gardening books, as well as cookbooks, children’s books, antique books, DVDs, CDs and more.

As part of the fundraiser, donations are accepted from the community in the form of potted vegetables, herbs, annuals and perennials. Residents are asked to consider donating plants they have divided from their gardens. Potted plant donations can be dropped off at the Senior Center, in clean containers marked with the plant name, on May 17 and 18.

Funds raised from the event support Hopkinton Senior Center programs.

Resident joins Walk for Hunger

Hopkinton’s Pamela Whelan is participating in the 55th annual Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 7. She will be one of about 3,000 people who are walking live around the Boston Common or participating virtually.

The one-day fundraising event is expected to raise more than $1 million to support food assistance resources and sustainable policy solutions to end hunger in Massachusetts. According to Project Bread, it’s estimated that 1 in 6 households with children across the state are worried about having enough to eat.

For more information or to donate to Whelan’s fundraising efforts, visit support.projectbread.org.

Food Drive nets haul

The Knights of Columbus Bishop Rice Council 4822 (representing Hopkinton and Ashland) announced that its recent Food for Families Food Drive was “a huge success,” netting more than 1,200 pounds of food and supplies along with $2,300 in donations to support neighbors in need.

“Your local Knights of Columbus are most grateful for your ongoing support,” shared event co-chairs Jim Kenealy and Paul St. Jean.

The food pantry at Hopkinton-based Project Just Because was the recipient of the donations.

Stephenson for School Committee

Iam honored to endorse Susan Stephenson for School Committee. Susan grew up in Western Pennsylvania and just recently moved to Hopkinton in August. She spent her 36-year career as a middle school/high school English teacher in the Seneca Valley district, one of the top-ranked districts in Pennsylvania. Once she moved here, it didn’t take long for her to become an integral part of the community. She started volunteering at the Senior Center, became a member of the Democratic Committee and is now a candidate for the School Committee.

Susan has an extensive list of qualifications, including Teachers Education Association leader, collaborating with school administration and board members and helping to create one of the first senior projects on the East Coast in 1998. She is ready to tackle the many issues that face the Hopkinton school system, such as student population growth, budget challenges, and maintaining the school’s high rankings.

In the 26 years I have known Susan, I can say that you will be proud to have her serve on our School Committee. Besides her educational and professional background, she is one of the kindest people I know, as well as caring and compassionate.

Letters | page 4

In their words:

“We recently had the pleasure of working with an incredible team of realtors — Ann, Mike and Chuck — who helped us find the perfect home for our family. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and level of service we received from this team. Despite the challenging market, the team’s commitment to helping us find the perfect home never wavered. Their extensive knowledge of the local market and expertise in navigating the home buying process made all the difference. It truly was a great team effort, and we couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”

-KF, closed on 4/20/23

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She’s always the first to help out anyone in any given situation. She is everyone’s friend! Since my major surgery in November, she has been here for me every day making meals, taking Sally out, driving me here and there, etc. This is just the type of person she is!

Susan will give her all as a school board member, taking the responsibility seriously. One of her top priorities will be meeting the needs of all students. Please join me in voting for Susan Stephenson for School Committee on May 15.

— Nancy L. Drawe, Hopkinton

Fogg for School Committee

I am writing in support of Ashley Fogg for School Committee at the Town Election on Monday, May 15. Along with strong experience from her previous volunteer positions in support of the Hopkinton schools, Ashley brings a fresh, independent perspective to the School Committee. I am excited that Ashley is running for School Committee for a few reasons. First, Ashley is a parent of young school-age children — a voice that is (and historically has been) absent from our School Committee. The needs and opportunities for the youngest students are different than those of high school age, and a passionate voice in support of this population would be a welcome change. Second, for Ashley, with three young children, excellence in Hopkinton public schools is personal to her — this seat on the School Committee is an opportunity to ensure that the excellence of Hopkinton Public Schools continues long term by effectively managing the exponential growth we’ve seen in our student population.

I have enjoyed getting to know Ashley over the last few years, and we have talked regularly about many aspects of the Hopkinton Public Schools, including academics, social and emotional learning, and inclusion and diversity. Ashley always brings a balanced perspective, is great at understanding both sides of each issue and, ultimately, cares deeply about our schools and our students. She brings a problem-solving mindset, which is incredibly valuable to the School Committee and to ensure continued progress. Please join me on May 15 in voting for Ashley Fogg. Her experience, commitment and passion for excellence in our schools make her an ideal candidate for our School Committee.

— Jared Pray, Hopkinton

Resident explains withdrawal of zoning petition

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Several months ago, I submitted a citizens’ petition to rezone Hayward Street/ South Street/Pine Grove Lane from residential lakefront to rural business. The purpose was to allow Marguerite Concrete, owned by Hopkinton resident Jim Marguerite, to build its new corporate headquarters.

Establishing the headquarters on South Street would enable the company to grow as well as provide well-paying jobs for residents, more opportunities for internships and apprenticeships, and new tax revenue for the town.

The plans for 70 South Street include only an office building and parking for the professional staff who will work in the new headquarters. Absolutely no concrete batching, mixing, trucking or any other industrial activities would occur at this location. Only a portion of land near South Street will be developed, with the remainder deeded to the town for open space.

Over the last month, we have held many meetings with neighbors about our plans to build a headquarters for Marguerite Concrete on South Street. We are thankful for the positive support we have received so far because of those meetings. Their input influenced parts of the proposal, including removing plans to build Pine Grove Lane, and memorializing our commitments into a Development Agreement. We are committed to upgrading sidewalks on Hayward Street and satisfying all DEP [Department of Environmental Protection] stormwater management standards.

But it is clear there is not enough time to ensure this project works for everyone in the neighborhood and the wider Hopkinton community before the vote at Town Meeting on May 1.

After much consideration, I have withdrawn our petition on the Town Meeting warrant, and a letter was sent to the Select Board. We will continue to work on our plans for this headquarters with the Select Board and are willing to engage with other town boards or agencies, as our goal is for reconsideration of the zoning article at the [anticipated] Special Town Meeting in the fall.

Marguerite Concrete hopes to make Hopkinton its permanent home and continue to be a community partner, providing revenue for the town and jobs for its residents.

— Peter Bemis, Hopkinton

Kudos for Marathon edition

I just read [the Hopkinton Independent] Marathon edition and I was really impressed. Clearly, the Boston Marathon is the signature event of the year in our town. You have captured the basic character of our town and did it very well. Anyone who reads this edition will wish they lived here.

— Eric Sonnett, Hopkinton

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

Emergency response test at LNG facility set for May 4

During the April 25 Select Board meeting, representatives from the town’s emergency services and Eversource discussed plans for an emergency response test for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility on Wilson Street.

The test is scheduled for Thursday, May 4, starting at 8 a.m. and expected to finish around 1 p.m.

Town Manager Norman Khumalo explained that the test is a requirement ordered by the state’s Department of Public Utilities in 2018, and since then, the town has been “working collaboratively” with Eversource. This includes a tabletop exercise that was held in January.

“I think we all have recognized over the years that an effective response to any incident at the facility would require extensive collaboration between our Fire Department, Eversource, mutual aid partners, local officials, all working together,” Khumalo said. “And what I’m hearing tonight is that this cooperation doesn’t only occur on the day of an incident. It requires public safety officials and private sector entities to plan, train, exercise and equip themselves beforehand. This is what has been happening since 2018.”

Jim Blackburn, who manages the Eversource LNG engineering group, echoed Khumalo’s sentiment that the town and Eversource have “developed over the years a very collaborative relationship.”

“This training session is something we’ve been planning for the last year but we’ve been talking about for probably five, almost six years,” he said.

As part of the test, there will be prestaged emergency vehicles on Legacy Farms Road North. While there will be blocked roads and limited access to much of the area, residents will be allowed to pass through, Police Chief Joseph Bennett said.

“The reason we really want to get out ahead of it through communication is we don’t want to cause alarm,” Bennett said. “It’s a big event, a big day, and we’re looking forward to really learning a lot about our capacity and our capability and what we need to work on.”

During the discussion, Select Board members raised questions about a network of gas lanterns that are designed in the case of a leak to intercept an LNG vapor cloud and help prevent it from igniting a residential area. A recent article

at HopNews indicated that none of the lamps are operational.

Khumalo said that the town’s building inspector confirmed that the property owners (the homeowners) are responsible for the lamps but did not offer any more details.

PFAS plan in works

Board of Health chair Lisa Whittemore and Health Director Shaun McAuliffe appeared before the Select Board April 25 to provide an update on the PFAS situation in town.

Whittemore said state and federal regulators continue to study the situation and work on a plan for communities to deal with issues similar to Hopkinton. Until there is clarity there, the town plans to remain in a holding pattern.

“We don’t think it’s prudent to get out in front of those regulators,” Whittemore said, noting that more information is anticipated in the next 6-10 weeks. She added that currently it’s considered a violation if water tests at 20 parts per trillion, but it’s expected that the standard will be lowered to 4 parts per trillion.

Whittemore noted that PFAS are not just in water but can be found in items such as food packaging and dental floss.

“The [Department of Environmental Protection] now is recognizing food as a significant source of PFAS,” added McAuliffe.

Said Whittemore: “I think this is something that honestly as a country we’re going to have to grapple with in the next 5-10 years. Water will become the next climate crisis is my prediction.”

Whittemore said the Board of Health will provide information as it becomes available.

“We will update it on the website, make sure it goes out to the public,” she said. “As there’s enough information to make a coherent policy that people can abide by, the board will consider and then come before the Select Board so everybody is aware of it.”

On a related note, Khumalo said discussions continue with Southborough regarding an agreement for Hopkinton to connect to Southborough’s Massachusetts Water Resource Authority water.

Previously, Khumalo said Hop -

An emergency response test at the LNG facility on Wilson Street and the surrounding area is scheduled for May 4.

April 24 to June 1, 2023

The Lotvin Family Gallery

e Arts in Bloom exhibition is always a highlight of the HCA’s year! is year is no exception. Over 80 artists submitted artwork for consideration from 35 towns and ve states. We received a wonderful variety of works from Experimental to Classical Realism and everything in between.

Out of 200 pieces, juror Kaveh Mojtabai, founder and publisher of Artscope magazine, selected 44 for display in this year’s exhibition. Six pieces were identi ed for an award and will be honored with fresh ower arrangements designed by Hopkinton Garden Club members that will be on display May 12—May 17. ere will be an artist reception May 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. and the public is invited.

Planning Board OK’s projects on Lumber Street, Elm Street

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

The Planning Board at its virtual meeting April 24 swiftly handled five hearings in less than two hours.

Attorney Paul Alphen spoke on behalf of applicant Georgia Stone Industries for “a new earth removal permit for an ongoing operation” at a granite quarry on Lumber Street.

He said that the environmental impact assessment that the board previously sought has been completed by Goddard Consultants. The applicant also submitted long-term operations and management plans.

Two waivers were requested. The first issue regarding maintaining the slope, Trendel said, would be hard to maintain given that it is a quarry. The second, which would waive the buffer zone requirement, also appeared to make sense because the quarry already has been in existence.

Alphen clarified that the waiver was needed because the regulations didn’t take into consideration the need for an access road. Principal Planner John Gelcich brought up the same concern, noting that this is “a quirk in our bylaw” that he expects will be addressed in the future.

Elm Street warehouse OK’d

Engineer Mike Dryden addressed a previous concern of the board raised last month about the proposal for a “flex storage warehouse” at 86 Elm Street that questioned whether the agricultural district to the west actually touched the site. An opinion from the building commissioner confirmed that the appropriate setback of 40 feet was applied.

Another concern was a debate about the limit of the area of disturbance.

“We have been saying all along that it is under an acre,” Dryden explained. Because town engineering consultant BETA Engineering and a few board members questioned the assessment, he agreed to file the stormwater permit that would have been required if the property was over an acre.

He added that the Conservation Commission and the Health Department approved the application.

Trendel noted that the stormwater permit may have been “an extra step.” But because stormwater issues have

PFAS plan in works

PFAS | from page 5

kinton would purchase the water from Southborough. However, he said April 25 that while Southborough will be responsible for delivering the water, Hopkinton will become a direct customer of the MWRA and receive a bill from the state.

Misc.: Orale gets additional licenses

At the April 25 Select Board meeting, Orale, a new Mexican restaurant on Main Street that opened last month,

plagued other construction projects in recent months, he viewed it as being prudent. This was unanimously approved along with the major project site plan application.

Pickleball/tennis facility considered

The proposed pickleball/tennis facility off of Fruit Street at 17 Pratt Way inched closer to approval.

Project engineer Andrew Leonard told the board that there had been a delay in constructing a test pit for the proposed bioswales until last Wednesday because of the Boston Marathon last Monday. The work has been completed, and the plans were revised to show that.

He added that he received BETA’s response hours before the meeting, and “a number of questions” were raised, which prevented Leonard from completing a unified set of plans for a site plan approval.

Leonard asked that he meet with BETA representative Phil Paradis to discuss what is needed and continue the hearing until the next meeting on May 8, as he believed the concerns may have resulted from miscommunications. The request and continuation were approved unanimously.

Parkwood Drive project moves forward

A new public hearing was held regarding the installation of medical equipment and an emergency generator that would allow Phosphorex to expand its operations at 35 Parkwood Drive. Doug Hartnett, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, said that the Board of Appeals approved its application last week.

He noted that a minor site plan review was necessary because the mechanical equipment can be viewed from a public way. To address this, the applicant proposed reshaping the berm and planting trees, perennials and shrubs to screen the equipment from view. He also said that the property is in an industrial district on a dead-end street.

Gelcich agreed that the screening is sufficient, and Trendel said a site walk is not needed. The board approved it 7-0. Member Fran DeYoung abstained from voting, as he is an abutter. As a resident, DeYoung said he wanted to “applaud the applicant on the screening.”

was awarded a license for alcohol and entertainment. …

Parade permits were granted for the New England Chinese American Alliance rally along the Boston Marathon route on May 20 starting at 7:30 a.m. as well as the third annual Pride Parade on June 11 from 1-4 p.m. starting at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and proceeding along area streets. …

Regarding the Main Street Corridor Project, Khumalo said full-depth excavation of Main Street from the intersection with Grove Street to the Town Common is tentatively scheduled for early to mid-May. When that takes place, the hours for the project could be extended, including Saturday work, so that the excavation is completed more quickly.

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Candidates debate issues before Town Election

Election | from page 1

The forum, sponsored by the Hopkinton Women’s Club, was the 35th hosted by the group, which formed in 1920 as women were gaining the right to vote in the United States. Kathie Hebden moderated the debate, which served as a primer for the town election on Monday, May 15.

(Editor’s Note: The May 1 Annual Town Meeting took place after the Independent’s print deadline. Check the HopkintonIndependent.com as well as the May 17 print issue for details.)

While there were a number of candidates for other positions present, School Committee is the only contested race.

Differences in background

Stephenson and Fogg spent the better part of the nearly hourlong event fielding questions on their positions on topics of current interest, including their views on book banning, support for transgender students, and how best to serve the rising school population.

Fogg, who grew up in Hopkinton and who is not enrolled in a political party, said she returned to Hopkinton to raise her three children. She cited her legal education and background working as a paralegal in law firms in Boston and Woburn as what distinguishes her from her fellow candidates as well as current committee members.

“I’m very active in the schools and have relationships with many of the staff members, teachers and principals,” Fogg said. She noted that two of her children are in the public schools, and her third child will enter in the fall. Her firsthand knowledge of the schools includes being a room parent in one of her children’s classrooms and being involved in two PTOs and as a youth basketball coach.

“I hope to take this real-time experience and use it in making informed decisions as it affects the Hopkinton Public Schools and our children,” she said. “If I’m elected, I hope to engage as a thoughtful contributor and offer a balanced and discerning perspective to problem-solving and planning for our school district.”

Stephenson highlighted her insight as a veteran educator. A Pennsylvania native, she moved to Hopkinton nine months ago after having enjoyed visiting the town over the course of 27 years.

“I bring 36 years of educational expertise as a secondary [school] English teacher,” she said. “But I also bring an extensive background as a leader and negotiator for a 500-member education association.”

She compared her previous school district in Seneca Valley with Hopkinton, noting that both are held in high regard. Because of excellence, they have experienced increases in the student population, including students who require special services. This prompted the need for more teachers and support staff as well as new school buildings.

Stressed Stephenson: “I tell you now, every single decision I make will always begin and end with what is best for the students.”

Ritterbusch noted that education had a profound impact on Monroe, as neither his parents nor his grandparents had attained a high school education.

He has earned degrees in nursing and holds a master’s degree in nursing education while currently pursuing his doctorate.

“He possesses a deep-rooted understanding of the power of education,” Ritterbusch continued. “He also knows what it feels like to be the kid who needs extra help along the way.”

She added that he regularly has confronted challenging situations both in the medical field and as an advocate for his two children’s special education services.

Book banning

The first topic Stephenson and Fogg confronted was whether book banning should be allowed. Stephenson adamantly opposed book banning as “the most outrageous thing that has ever come to this Earth.” She said her

students benefited from reading classics such as “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” She added that parents have the right to say that their children should not be exposed to particular titles and ask for a substitute book. Educators should take the age of their students into consideration when selecting reading materials.

Fogg agreed that book banning in general “probably should not happen.” But she added that her children were exposed to books in elementary school with subject matter that she hadn’t yet discussed with them. Parents should work with teachers and administrators to address situations like this as they arise, she said, stressing the need for communication.

Both candidates said they have good relationships with several School Committee members and have been attending School Committee meetings to prepare for their possible positions.

Nonbinary, transgender students

The issues facing nonbinary and transgender students were raised. Fogg noted that there are state regulations in place, and the School Committee is required to follow them. She stressed that nonbinary and transgender students should have opportunities to play sports.

Stephenson said there are legal precedents in place that she would follow and that these students have “the toughest road there is to hoe” and should be supported.

Both candidates said that a student’s gender identity or expression should be honored. Fogg added that “all students should have access to a first-rate education” and said that conversations should be held more intimately between

Meet candidates for town positions

Annual Town Election is scheduled for May 15.

The Hopkinton Independent invited all candidates to answer some basic questions about their background and provide a general statement. Here we present the three School Committee candidate responses, as that is the only contested race. All other responses are available for viewing online at HopkintonIndependent.com.

Below is a list of all positions, followed by the questions that will appear on the ballot.

School Committee (3 years, vote for 2)

Ashley Fogg, unenrolled

Adam Munroe, Democrat

Susan Stephenson, Democrat

Select Board (3 years, vote for 1)

Amy Ritterbusch, Democrat (incumbent)

Planning Board (5 years, vote for 2)

Michael King, Democrat

Matthew Wronka, Democrat

Planning Board (3 years, vote for 1)

Vikasith Pratty, unenrolled

Planning Board (2 years, vote for 1)

Navdeep Arora, unenrolled

Board of Assessors (3 years, vote for 1)

Adam Munroe, Democrat (incumbent)

Board of Health (3 years, vote for 1)

Nasiba Mannan, Democrat

Housing Authority (1 year, vote for 1)

Ilana Casady, Democrat

Parks & Recreation Commission (3 years, vote for 1)

Laura Hanson, Democrat (incumbent)

Ravi Shankar Dasari, Democrat

Board of Library Trustees (3 years, vote for 2)

Jessica McCaffrey, Republican (incumbent)

Warren Carter, Democrat

Commissioners of Trust Funds (3 years, vote for 1)

Mary Duggan, Democrat (incumbent)

Constable (3 years, vote for 1)

John Cardillo, Democrat

BALLOT QUESTIONS

Question 1: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and onehalf, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the design, engineering, permitting, and construction of a new sidewalk on Chestnut Street from Wild Road to Smith Road, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 2: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and onehalf, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the design, engineering, permitting, and construction of a new sidewalk between EMC Park and Fitch Avenue, connecting to Blueberry Lane, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 3: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and onehalf, so-called, the amounts required to

pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the architectural and engineering design for Fire Station 2, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 4: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the Hopkinton Public School HVAC renewal work, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 5: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the Hopkins School Addition project, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

Question 6: Shall the Town of Hopkinton be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay for the reconstruction and paving of Pratt Way and the roadways within Evergreen and Mount Auburn Cemeteries, including any and all costs, fees, and expenses related to the same?

ASHLEY FOGG

Position being sought: School Committee

Party affiliation: Unenrolled

Occupation: Stay-athome parent

Education: B.S. in applied legal studies from Suffolk University (2010), elected officer of Suffolk University Paralegal Association, graduated magna cum laude

Years lived in Hopkinton: Grew up in Hopkinton, attended college in Boston, moved back to Hopkinton in 2018 to raise family

Governmental experience: None

Additional volunteer/service experience: Current HPTO executive board member; co-VP for Hopkins School; appreciation co-coordinator for Marathon School; room parent for classrooms at Marathon, Elmwood and Hopkins; basketball coach for Grade 4 boys travel team with the Hopkinton Basketball Association; member at Faith Community Church and volunteer in children’s ministry; discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship (held at Faith Community Church)

General statement: I grew up in Hopkinton and attended Hopkinton Public Schools. My family moved back in 2018. We have three children, two of whom attend Elmwood and Hopkins, and a 5-year-old who will start kindergarten in the fall. I am very active in the schools and have a relationship with many of the staff members, teachers and principals. My firsthand experience of having children in HPS gives me real insight into the issues, concerns and priorities many parents and community members may have regarding our schools. I hope to take this real-time experience and use it in making informed decisions. Having been raised in Hopkinton gives me a unique perspective that is different to any other candidate.

Now with my own children, I have a vested interest in the longevity of the Hopkinton Public Schools’ performance and quality of education.

I hope to provide a new outlook on maintaining the excellence of HPS. If I am elected, I hope to engage as a thoughtful contributor and offer a balanced and discerning perspective to problem solving and planning for our school district. I think the School Committee works best when we have different points of view. We should have the willingness to ask the hard questions but also communicate and listen with respect while working toward the common goal of doing what is best for our students and families. I hope to receive your vote, and I promise to do my best to promote and improve the Hopkinton Public Schools.

ADAM MUNROE

Position

being sought:

School Committee

Party af -

filiation: Democrat

Occupation: Associate Degree Nursing Program chair and director at MassBay Community College

Education: Ph.D. candidate with a focus in nursing education, Walden University; Master’s of Nursing Education, Framingham State University; associate degree in nursing, MassBay Community College; paramedic certification, Northeastern University

Years lived in Hopkinton: I have lived in Hopkinton for the past 13 years. I currently live in the home where my wife, Heather, was raised. In fact, our son Aidan’s bedroom was once hers. This said, our family has lived in Hopkinton and been actively engaged across generations.

Governmental experience: Current member of the Hopkinton Board of Assessors and running for a second term

Additional volunteer/service experience: I have been a member of the Hopkinton Marathon Committee for over a decade with leadership positions in the Athletes Village, and most recently as a team captain for the professional runners area.

General statement: In the spirit of community service, I ask for the opportunity to serve on our School Committee. While Hopkinton is a great town, we also face many challenges. Diversity, equity and inclusion, data-driven fiscal responsibility, and transparency are core values that inspire my desire to serve on the committee. The residents of Hopkinton should expect and deserve a School Committee that is engaged and responsible and ensures that the core values of Hopkinton residents are represented in the education of students.

My current roles include being department chair of a nursing program at MassBay Community College and a registered nurse in a busy local emergency department. I also have been a visiting lecturer in the Nursing Department at Framingham State University. While you may wonder how this experience relates to becoming a member of the School Committee, let me explain. All of these require fastidious attention to detail, an understanding of a variety of perspectives, an in-depth understanding of analytic data, and the ability to apply critical thinking to evolving situations. My responsibilities as the chair

of the Nursing Department include evaluating current educational practices for the nursing program and making recommendations for evidence-based changes and modifications to support sound educational practices while also embracing diversity, equity and inclusion from across the community. Additionally, developing budgets, reviewing policies, developing and executing strategic plans, and collaborating with administrators, faculty, staff and students are responsibilities I feel will translate well to the School Committee.

SUSAN

M. STEPHENSON

Position

being sought:

School Committee

Party af -

filiation: Democrat

Occupation: Retired junior high/ high school English teacher

Education: B.S. in secondary education, English/communications, Clarion State University (1976); M. Ed. communications media, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1990); many additional continuing education classes

Years lived in Hopkinton: Nine months

Governmental experience: None

Additional volunteer/service experience: 1983-2010 Seneca Valley Education Association, assorted leadership positions including grievance chair, Negotiating Committee negotiating team, in addition, I held all major leadership positions at one time or another during my tenure; 1983-86 Saint Andrews Catholic Church lector; 1983-86 Saint Andrews Catholic Church bingo caller; beginning May 2023 Hopkinton Senior Center writing instructor; Hopkinton Senior Center event photographer

General statement: Having served as a teacher for 36 years, I am passionate about quality education. I taught in the Seneca Valley School District in Pennsylvania, which was always ranked as one of the top districts in the state. I

am aware of the budgetary challenges before the Hopkinton school system. If I am elected to the School Committee, my commitment will be to keep Hopkinton schools top-ranked. It will not be easy to maintain quality education in the face of budgetary constraints, but I am not afraid of tough problems and will always keep the needs of all students my top priority. In my previous school district I served as department chair and also as a union leader. Having worked with School Board members and the superintendent’s office, I have a deep understanding about school needs, about the interests of all the parties, and about how schools are governed. On a personal note, my hobbies are gardening, woodworking, taking art classes and volunteering at the Senior Center. I am owned by my golden retriever, Wallace. I pledge to serve the needs of all students in the best way possible and to stand up for continued top-quality education in Hopkinton. As Ben Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the most interest.” I respectfully ask for your vote on May 15th.

KELLY’S FARM

Family owned & operated since 1936 NOW OPEN!

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.

Hopkinton Lions Club monthly meeting May 4

The Hopkinton Lions Club’s next monthly meeting is Thursday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. The Lions are preparing for their Community Yard Sale (May 13) and Family Day dunk tank activity (Sept. 23). To learn more about the club, stop by its table at the Hopkinton 101 event (May 6), or visit hopkintonlions.org. The club always is interested in new members to help serve Hopkinton. Email hopkintonlions@gmail. com for information about the upcoming meeting or for general club info.

Women’s Club fitness class fundraiser May 4

The Hopkinton Women’s Club’s Boston Marathon runner, Beth Hankin, is hosting a Fitness for Charity fundraiser on Thursday, May 4, from 7-9 p.m. at The Gym in Milford (196 East Main Street). Tickets are $25 each and include one fitness class (spin or boot camp) as well as two beverage tickets and food as part of a pre-Cinco de Mayo party that will include raffles. For more information, email Beth@BethHankinWellness.com.

Hopkinton 101 at HHS Athletic Center May 6

Hopkinton 101, organized by the Hopkinton Public Library, is a community event where residents can learn about municipal departments as well as local nonprofit and volunteer opportunities. Town department representatives, nonprofit leaders and local businesses will participate in this free event, which is being held at the Hopkinton High School Athletic Center on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, visit hopkintonlibrary.org or call 508-497-9777.

YMCA Spring Cookout/Camp Open House May 6

The MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center in Hopkinton (45 East Street) is hosting a Spring Cookout and Camp Open House on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visitors can tour the campus, including the rock walls, archery range and sports fields, and meet other camp families. For more information, visit metrowestymca.org.

K of C Nite at the Races fundraiser May 6

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a fundraising event for adults (18 and up) called A Nite at the Races on Saturday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Parish Hall (20 Church Street). Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be 10 virtual horse races and 10 grand prize gift drawings. All admission tickets, which are $25 each ($200 for a table), are eligible for a door prize. Food and beverages, including premium beer and wine, will be available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bishopricekoc.org or email joealtman@verizon.net.

Hopkinton Historical Society Cultural Day Trip May 10

The Rhode Island city of Woonsocket was one of many textile manufacturing centers in New England. By 1920, 70% of its citizens were French-Canadian. On May 10, the Hopkinton Historical Society will provide two guided tours: the Museum of Work and Culture, and St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center. The museum walks through 11 interpretive exhibits of that era. St. Ann, a former cathedral, features fresco paintings covering the ceiling and walls in the style of Michelangelo and Raphael. A donation of $20 ($16 for seniors) covers both tours. For more information, email Joe Hall at joebjuan63@gmail.com.

Lions Club Community Yard Sale May 13

The Hopkinton Lions Club’s annual Community Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Residents across Hopkinton will sell their

treasures and goods. For more details or to register for a home sale, visit hopkintonlions.org. Proceeds from registrations will go to the Hopkinton Lions Club to support charitable events in town and with the global Lions International.

Garden Club Plant Sale May 13

The annual Hopkinton Garden Club Plant Sale will take place Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m.-noon at the Town Common. Club members will be selling annuals and perennials (many dug from their own gardens or grown directly from seed) including a wide variety of flowers, hanging planters, vegetables, herbs and house plants. As the organization’s major annual fundraiser, the event funds the club’s town beautification efforts, educational programs and community project initiatives. For more information, visit hopkintongardenclub.org.

‘Screenagers: Under the Influence’ film showing May 16

HOP (Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention) Coalition presents two showings of “Screenagers: Under the Influence” on Tuesday, May 16. The film, the third feature documentary in the “Screenagers” trilogy, addresses vaping, drugs and alcohol in the digital age. It delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film will be shown at 10:30 a.m. at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and then at 7 p.m. at the Hopkinton Middle School auditorium.

Friends of Hopkinton Seniors Plant Sale May 19-20

The Friends of Hopkinton Seniors will host its annual fundraising Plant Sale at the Senior Center on Friday, May 19, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m.-noon. A large variety of vegetables, flowers and plants grown and donated by greenhouse volunteers will be available at rock-bottom prices, along with gardening books, cookbooks, children’s books, antique books, DVDs, CDs and more. Community donations of potted vegetables, herbs, annuals and perennials are welcomed. Potted plant donations can be dropped off (in clean containers) at the Senior Center on May 17 and 18.

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.

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.

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.

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

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown May 5 at 7 p.m. | May 6 & 7 at 2 p.m. Happiness is great musical theater! With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. This revue of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, is the ideal first show for those who would like to do a musical. Musical numbers include “My Blanket and Me,” “The Kite,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,” “Suppertime,” and “Happiness.” Guaranteed to please audiences of all ages!

Mother’s Day Concert

May 14 | 11 a.m.

Treat the mom in your life to this one-hour melodious concert featuring harpist Yvonne Cox and flutist Kate Davison. Playing an array of classical music pieces, as well as family-friendly songs such as Disney classics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Includes continental breakfast, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Coloring supplies for little ones will be available to make cards for the occasion. This concert is sponsored through the generous support of Scott’s Landscaping.

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. Feature 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.

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.

Peer Arboricultural keeps trees healthy green

By Linda Chuss Contributing Writer

Noone wants to be rushed to the emergency room. That’s why people regularly seek routine care and maintain healthy practices. In the same way, a homeowner would be better off calling Kevin Narbonne, owner of Peer Arboricultural in Hopkinton, before a tree is leaning over their home, or worse. This analogy represents a key component of his philosophy toward home tree and shrub care.

Narbonne explained his process. “We start by walking around your property, reviewing the status of the trees and shrubs,” he said. “I can assess if a tree might be in danger of falling and reduce the risk with some proactive pruning. That helps ensure you won’t lose the tree or suffer property damage and possibly experience personal harm. We do a walkthrough every year or so, depending on the need.

“Ticks and mosquitos are another situation we look at,” Narbonne said. “There’s been a big increase in not only Lyme but about 20 other tick-borne diseases. And mosquitos continue to transmit West Nile Virus and EEE [Eastern equine encephalitis]. We have options for addressing those threats, so you can choose one that suits you.”

Peer Arboricultural provides a range of services, from planting new trees and shrubs to pruning and providing plant health care. Narbonne specializes in diagnosing the cause of an issue to determine the right approach. “One recent client had arborvitaes that appeared stressed, likely because of the drought last summer,” Narbonne said. “To verify, I had the UMass Plant Diagnostic Lab analyze a sample. It turned out that fungal and insect activity were the culprits. Now we can properly treat it.”

UMass is where Narbonne studied arboriculture, which is the art and science of tree work. Since he was a child, he liked being outdoors and has continued to enjoy that aspect of his profession. “I worked for an employee-run company for 18 years, where I learned a lot from veterans in the field who shared their experiences and beliefs,” he said. “I ended up in management, and like many people during the pandemic, I reassessed. Being outdoors more and having a situation that worked for my family led me to start Peer Arboricultural in 2021. The business is run out of my home, which coincidentally was previously owned by an arborist.”

Besides trees, Narbonne has a passion for running marathons, having completed Boston twice. This year, he’ll compete in Berlin. “A 20-mile training run clears your mind, has you think differently, and helps with priorities,” he said. For Boston, Narbonne raised funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute after learning a girl in his daughter’s preschool had cancer. “Being a charity runner for a cause so close to me was humbling and eye-opening,” he said. “It made me a better person, leader and business owner.” Narbonne puts that learning into practice at his company, consulting his peer group when he needs special expertise. “There’s always a

There’s been a big increase in not only Lyme but about 20 other tick-borne diseases. And mosquitos continue to transmit West Nile Virus and EEE [Eastern equine encephalitis].

— Kevin Narbonne, owner, Peer Arboricultural

chance to learn,” he said. “Solving problems takes all of us.” Narbonne is a Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA 2197) and an International Society Arborist (ISA NE-6400A). To schedule a walkthrough, email kevin.peerarboricultural@ gmail.com or call 781-801-3576.

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Kevin Narbonne of Peer Arboricultural in Hopkinton advocates for preventive care of trees and shrubs.

Residents, town officials surprised by tree clearing

we’ve been seeing heavy equipment going down the street. And neither the residents nor the town was given any notice.”

On April 24, the town released a joint statement, which Conservation Commission Chair Jeff Barnes read at the April 25 Conservation Commission meeting. The statement was from himself, Town Manager Norman Khumalo, Conservation Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli and Principal Planner John Gelcich, and it explained that the tree removal is being done legally under a state permit administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

“We are mindful of the concerns outlined by abutters regarding the ongoing tree-cutting work at a property off of Kimball Road,” Barnes stated. “Under state law, this work is permitted and regulated solely by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.”

During that meeting, Barnes and Ciaramicoli noted that the state permit supersedes town policy, and town officials are basically powerless to stop it.

Cooper explained that he has been doing a deeper dive into the permit’s history and has communicated with DCR representatives about the project. He was concerned about what he considered a change of use to the land.

“It’s really frustrating for me because I was the one who reached out to Mike Dooley and Forestry Program Director Jennifer Fish, his supervisor at DCR, before anyone,” Cooper said. “I gave Kim [Ciaramicoli] their contact information. When I spoke to [Fish], she certainly seemed more open to amending the permit. But that was not the impression I got from what Kim Ciaramicoli said at the Conservation Commission meeting when she spoke about writing a letter to DCR.

“I want it to be a pretty strongly worded letter — not a request but a demand,” Cooper continued. “To me, I think the town has some responsibility here. I feel like they are just throwing up their hands.”

He added that he approached a worker on the site to ask about the activity.

“I spoke to the foreman on the project, and he wasn’t pleasant,” Cooper said. “He said, ‘Anything I can cut, it’s coming down.’ ”

Continued Cooper: “It doesn’t seem like we have any legal options to stop the cutting. But there will be potential hurdles when and if a solar farm is proposed. No one is benefitting from this situation here except the property owner.”

Developer called out before

This has not been the first activity regarding the property where transparency was called into question by town officials and residents. At a Planning Board meeting on June 7, 2021, what was initially presented as a preliminary proposal for two subdivisions at the property (then referred to as 190 Ash Street) was admittedly planned to be used for a solar development project, according to Matt Cote, the applicant’s attorney.

“The end goal is solar,” Cote said at the meeting.

The subdivision proposal was essentially a means to freeze the agricultural zoning designation for the property before the anticipated approval of a solar bylaw, which passed at the May 2021 Annual Town Meeting, creating tighter regulations on such developments. However, the subdivision proposal was withdrawn a few months later.

“The red herring here is that the solar developer, BlueWave Solar, left that meeting with their tail between their legs,” Ferencsik said. “They were caught, and they knew it.”

“It’s like they just stole the zoning,” Cooper added. “My thing is why was the clearing permit not pulled and voided at that time?”

“This woodland area has abundant wildlife, and the wetland there is ostensibly now under duress or will just be gone,” stressed Ferencsik. “When we think about the potential impact, we have to wonder if this is what we want residential areas in Massachusetts to become. There are many other viable options for solar farms that don’t require impact to wetlands or open space.”

At the Conservation Commission meeting, Barnes clarified that the clearcutting can only be done up to the wetland boundary. If a project is proposed for the site, remediation work would need to be performed to compensate for lost vegetation.

State representative questions process

Cooper and Ferencsik said they reached out to state Rep. James ArenaDeRosa after learning of the DCR permit to see if any actions could be taken to

Springwood | from page 1

Above: Workers have been clearing trees behind Kimball Road after the developer got a permit from the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.

PHOTOS/JOHN CARDILLO

Below: A Department of Conservation and Recreation permit is displayed on a tree where clearcutting is being done.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in Hopkinton

53 Grove Street $995,000

Nancy Mercurio

Logaraj, Jeyanthi Logaraj

21 Casey Koerner, Timothy Koerner Ira Becker, Emily Becker

21 Trails LLC

24 Paul Pedevillano, Suzanne Pedevillano

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

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State representative questions process

Springwood | from page 12

stop work or amend the permit, and he has been responsive to their inquiries.

Arena-DeRosa emailed that he has had “ongoing communications with constituents and Hopkinton town officials” as well as DCR and its legal team to see what could be done. He was informed that the tree-clearing activity is “legal under current law.”

“However,” he said, “I find it particularly disturbing that under the state agricultural permit, property owners are not also required to have some consultation with the local community and neighborhood about the plan and some amelioration.

“I know we need to be cognizant of property owners, and they have rights to use their land within the law,” ArenaDeRosa continued. “But as a new mem-

ber of the Agriculture Committee, I intend to look at a few things. For example, if someone gets a permit for activities under agriculture land, OK, fine — but shouldn’t the land have to then stay under that category for a set number of years? I don’t like that they can immediately turn around and develop the property. But per DCR, that is currently allowed.”

Cooper said the developer’s intentions to continue with a solar array are clear. They were articulated in a March 2021 letter to abutters, which he offered to provide to Ciaramicoli during the Conservation Commission meeting.

Planning Board Chair Gary Trendel said in an April 24 interview that the town has not seen any applications regarding proposed development on the site, and that the Planning Board is not able to take a position on the tree clearing.

“We can’t assume what their intentions might be,” Trendel said. “Although given their past track record, there is some concern. But anything they propose today will have to conform to the solar

bylaw.”

Proos, Michele Proos

What the Planning Board can do, he added, is work on strengthening solar regulations. Measures would include screening and setback requirements to protect abutters.

Town seeks plan for future issues

At the Conservation Commission meeting, members proposed future actions to protect woodland areas from this type of development. Ideas included seeking Community Preservation Committee or Hopkinton Area Land Trust funds to purchase wooded parcels that potentially could be developed.

Conservation Commission member Ted Barker-Hook noted that last year he spearheaded an effort to implement a tree-clearing bylaw as a member of the Zoning Advisory Committee, which he now co-chairs. He initially proposed

creating a solar overlay district, but this effort for tree protection did not move forward because it was not fully fleshed out at the time.

“We are beginning to talk again about how we can get together a tree protection bylaw that could be proposed for Town Meeting a year from now,” he said.

Fellow commissioner Ed Harrow, who is the chair of the Open Space Preservation Committee, said he and other committee members have been “wandering around Hopkinton looking at parcels and trying to come up with avenues to acquire them.”

Ciaramicoli noted at the Conservation Commission meeting that the commission soon will confront the issue of clearcutting land for another proposed project that will come before it in the near future. She did not cite the address.

The Hopkinton Independent reached out to BlueWave Solar and the DCR for comment regarding plans for the land and the timeline of the issuance of the permit. No response was received by press time.

HHS future health

By Susan Gonsalves

Contributing Writer

Thanks to an outstanding showing at a state leadership conference, 22 members of Hopkinton High School’s HOSA team — Health Occupations

Students of America-Future Health Professionals — qualified to compete at the international level.

Additionally, six students from Hopkinton Middle School finished in the top three in their events.

The HOSA International Leadership Conference will be held in Dallas from June 21-24. Students will participate in competitive events, attend educational seminars and workshops

and exhibit with thousands of HOSA members from around the world.

The state competition was held at Worcester State University on March 18 and included presentations from multiple college and medical students, researchers, physicians and professionals from many other healthcare careers from Worcester State University, UMass Chan Medical School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The qualifying HHS students were: Srilakshmi Venkatesan and Nandita Ramesh (Community Awareness, first place), Piyusha Majgaonkar and Shrija Kumar (Community Awareness, second place), Anna Noroian and Tanisha Renjith (Community Awareness, third

competition

place), Devanshi Agrawal, Anjali Bhattacharyya, Sofia Dhayal and Sruthi Tadaka (Health Education, first place), Nandita Ramesh (Job Seeking Skills, second place), Jake Dold, Kaizar Rangwala and Shaurya Patni (Medical Innovation, first place), Prachi Meher (Medical Math, third place), Aryan Shah (Nutrition, third place), Anagha Kulkarni, Renee Gowda, Vidya Narendra Ramakrishna and Charan Vijay (Public Health, second place), Ishita Khurana (Research Poster, first place) and Leah Hong (Veterinary Science, third place).

In total, 47 members of Hopkinton HOSA competed at the high school level.

Qualifying from Hopkinton Middle School were: Suhani Patni and Parnika Rai (Emotional Well-Being, first place), Akshadha Ghantasala and Kashvi Gupta (Health Career Display, second place), Ishana Khurana and Niyathi Thatigutla (Health Career Display, third place), Akshadha Ghantasala (Medical Terminology, first place), Ishana Khurana (Medical Terminology, second place) and Kashvi Gupta (Medical Terminology, third place).

The middle school competitors will not be traveling to the Dallas event.

In the Medical Innovation category, sophomore Kaizar Rangwala and his first-place team built an artificial intelligence (AI) system to monitor cardiotocography scans of a fetus’s heart in order to detect underlying health issues before birth to prevent neonatal and maternal deaths.

“I had lots of fun at the state conference. My teammates and I got the chance to learn about real-world medical practice and speak with people in the field,” noted Rangwala. “I am looking forward to being in Dallas with my friends and showcasing our hard work at ILC.”

HHS sophomores and second-place finishers Shrija Kumar and Piyusha Majgaonkar did a project in the Community Awareness category about eating disorders and nutrition. They said the state conference provided an “excellent platform to engage with healthcare professionals from different backgrounds” and expand their knowledge of various healthcare fields.

Majgaonkar and her partner went around the community educating people about topics such as eating disorder stigma and finding nutrition in spite of food insecurity.

Of the state event, Majgaonkar noted, “I enjoyed expanding my knowledge all while learning more about medicine and making friends in the process!”

In addition to being excited about the upcoming competition, Majgaonkar looks forward to “expanding my horizons when it comes to medicine … a field I’ve been passionate about for so long.”

She added, “I’m excited to make new friends and delve into different fields of medicine all while exploring Dallas.”

Hopkinton’s local chapter of HOSA has annually hosted emergency medical trainings, guest speaker events, clinical skills workshops and other healthcarerelated activities for more than 90 members.

Anatomy and physiology teacher and HOSA advisor Marjorie Billeter said the group is looking for corporate sponsorships to help cover the approximately $23,000 total estimated cost for airfare, hotel, transportation and event registrations. Grant sponsorship opportunities are available in a variety of levels.

Individuals interested in donating can email mbilleter@hopkinton.k12. ma.us or send a check to Student Activities at the high school with HOSA in the memo line.

Two adult chaperones will accompany the 22 students to Dallas.

Hopkinton team wins K-8 chess state title

By Sidhi Dhanda

Contributing Writer

After winning the Hurvitz Cup State Scholastic Team Championship in elementary school a year ago, the same Hopkinton team of chess players won the K-8 division of the tournament this year.

The competition is run by the Massachusetts Chess Association, which hosts the tournament annually and attracts young players from all over the state.

Going into the competition, the Hopkinton team — consisting of sixth graders Dattasai Kilari, Dhairya Mehta, Jashwant Reddy Ambati and Karthik Lakshmanan — ranked second behind Belmont’s Chenery Middle School.

All four players have a passion for chess and have been playing competitively for years, with Kilari and Mehta competing for six years, and Ambati and Lakshmanan competing for three and two years, respectively.

Despite their varying experience levels, all four players were critical in the team’s latest accomplishment.

Kilari was first board in the tourna-

ment, meaning he is the highest-ranked team member. Each team member plays their counterpart of the same rank on the opposing team. Kilari’s opponent was an eighth grader and a National Master, a title awarded to a player who has reached a ranking of 2,200.

“I thought I was going to lose,” Kilari admitted. “I hoped that the other people on my team would win their games.”

However, after a tough match, Kilari ultimately emerged victorious.

“I was not doing very well, but he tried to go for the win so that he could tie [the team score], and he went too far

for the win and lost,” Kilari said.

Kilari’s goal is to become a National Master by the end of the year.

In the final round, two Hopkinton players had won their games, and one had lost. Ambati’s victory secured the title, avoiding a tie.

Although the boys compete together, they typically don’t practice together. Instead, they individually practice on websites like chess.com. The players

use puzzles to improve their tactical abilities and play games to learn, using an analysis tool to see their mistakes. Mehta explained that they’re constantly learning and improving, striving to become better players.

Despite the pressure of competitive play, the Hopkinton team offers a valuable lesson for all chess players:

“Don’t stress about chess,” Ambati said. “It’s only 64 squares and 32 pieces.”

Chess competitors (from left) Karthik Lakshmanan, Dhairya Mehta, Jashwant Reddy Ambati and Dattasai Kilari pose with their championship trophies.

SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK

TheWeston School Committee on April 14 voted unanimously to appoint Karen Zaleski as its interim superintendent for a year, beginning July 1, pending successful contract negotiations.

Zaleski has been director of student services in Hopkinton for nine years.

In a recommendation letter, Hopkinton Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh described Zaleski as “highly educated, exceedingly efficient in her leadership and personally gracious.”

Cavanaugh said in addition to being responsible for the district’s SPED programming, Zaleski was a member of the leadership team and played a “key role” in curriculum development.

The search process included interviews on April 5 with the three finalists each asked 22 questions. On April 10, the candidates participated in a public forum on Zoom. School Committee members deliberated on April 12 and voted two days later.

During her interview, Zaleski said that she is “passionate and energetic,” and before she ends her career, it is her mission to be a superintendent.

When asked on a scale of 1 to 10 how interested she would be in seeking the permanent role next year, Zaleski responded, “10 plus.”

She also spoke about the importance of building trust with community stakeholders, having healthy dialogue and “rigor, high expectations and accountability.”

Zaleski acknowledged the public outcry that occurred in Hopkinton when she proposed cuts to therapy positions during the budget process. The experience taught her to “check for clarity and understanding” in the future, she said.

Zaleski holds a doctorate of education in educational leadership with a concentration in superintendent leadership from Boston College. She earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Assumption College.

She also is an adjunct professor at Ana Maria College in the graduate psychology department.

Prior to coming to Hopkinton, she served as director of pupil services in the Spencer/East Brookfield district and assistant principal for Southbridge schools.

Zaleski is a licensed mental health

and substance abuse clinician and school adjustment counselor. She began her career at Adcare and UMass Hospital in Worcester.

Hopkins principal also departing

During the April 13 School Committee meeting, Cavanaugh announced that Hopkins School Principal Vanessa Bilello was moving on to become principal at K-8 Lawrence School in Brookline, effective July 1.

Bilello has been principal at Hopkins for seven years and, before that, was assistant principal for two years.

Cavanaugh said, “She will surely be missed. She’s an amazing instructional leader. Good for Brookline. Not so good for Hopkinton.”

HHS, HMS musicians shine at MICCA Festival

Hopkinton musicians performed at the 2023 Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Concert Festival last month and earned multiple medals.

From Hopkinton Middle School, the Grade 8 Band and Grade 8 Chorus earned silver medals, as did the HMS Orchestra. From Hopkinton High School, the HHS Concert Band won a silver medal, while the HHS Orchestra and HHS Chorus each captured a bronze.

Hopkinton High School was one of the host sites for the competition. Karen Sylvester and Clorinda Creo-Krishy led the efforts to host a successful event along with the Hopkinton Music Association and parent and student volunteers.

Joyce earns Merit Scholarship

Hopkinton High School senior Margaret Joyce was named a winner of a corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship. Joyce, who has expressed an interest in studying environmental science, was awarded a National Merit NVIDIA Corporation Scholarship.

Leibowitz appears in college play Hopkinton’s Ben Leibowitz appeared in Worcester State University’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” on April 28-30. Leibowitz, a communications major, played the role of Leaf Coneybear in the comedy.

SENIOR SNIPPETS LIBRARY CORNER

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. 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 Thursday, May 11, for staff training.

War Clouds on the Horizon with Stephen

Doucet

Saturdays, May 6 and 13, 1-2 p.m.

This eight-week class will address the global causes and concerns that led to World War II. Instructor Stephen Doucet will focus on topics such as the League of Nations failures, the dissatisfaction of Japan and Italy at the end of the Great War, and United States isolationism, as well as other significant events that led to World War II.

Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction

Tuesday, May 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Narcan, the brand name of the generic drug naloxone, is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. This free training from the Hopkinton Health Department will provide participants with brief instruction on how to recognize an opioid overdose, when and how to use Narcan, and a free kit to take home.

Teas of Japan

Tuesday, May 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The library will host a virtual program on the teas of Japan along with a tea tasting hosted by certified tea specialist Danielle Beaudette.

Women’s Financial Roundtable

Wednesday, May 10, 1-2 p.m. (virtual)

Confused about financial markets? Wondering what Bitcoin is all about? Staring blankly at your retirement statements? Join Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone for Women and Money Roundtable: How to Make Sense of Today’s Financial Markets. Each Zoom session focuses on a different topic.

50-plus Job Seekers Networking Group

Wednesday, May 10, 6-8 p.m.

This virtual program is for those who are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for an “encore career.” This week’s session will focus on interview preparation and strategy.

Write a Letter to Our Troops

Tuesday, May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Getting a letter can be the highlight of a military person’s day. Join Danielle, the adult services librarian, to write a letter of thanks (or two or three) to members of our military. The library will be sending the letters to the nonprofit organization A Million Thanks for sorting and posting.

The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

MCOA Walk Massachusetts Challenge

With six challenges, there’s a challenge for everyone. The only competition is one’s self: to be better than yesterday. Individuals who meet milestones are entered to win up to a $50 gift card. For each person who completes their challenge, the Hopkinton Senior Center is entered to win up to $1,000 for future programming. The more each person walks, the more everyone wins. Registration for Team Hopkinton can be found at walkmachallenge.com or by calling the Senior Center. Participants will choose a challenge and track their walking during the period between May 1 and Oct. 31.

Health and Wellness Fair for Seniors

Thursday, May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Individuals can stop in anytime to check out and learn about a variety of health topics. The variety of resources, screenings and information available will provide attendees with information pertaining to health issues that concern everyone. This program is presented by the organization Volunteering for Seniors in Massachusetts.

Librarian visit

Wednesday, May 17, 10 a.m.-noon

Danielle Cook, the Hopkinton Adult Services librarian, will be at the Senior Center to provide a variety of library services. Residents can stop in to learn about the Talking Books Program, update or renew a library card, check out a book, get help with research or learn about available library services.

Annual Friends of the Seniors Plant and Book Sale

Friday, May 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m.-noon

A large variety of vegetables, flowers and plants grown and donated by greenhouse volunteers will be available at rock-bottom 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 ’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.

•

New law may offer financial opportunities

Your own decisions and actions typically determine your financial strategies. But outside events can affect your choices, too. And that may be the case with the recent passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act.

This piece of legislation covers many areas. But here are some changes that may be of interest to you, depending on your situation:

If you’re a retiree …

• Higher age for RMDs

If you’re still working …

• Roth contributions to retirement plans – Starting this year, if you participate in a 401(k) or similar plan, you can take your employer’s matching and other contributions on a Roth basis. While these contributions will count as taxable income, they can ultimately be withdrawn, along with any earnings they generate, tax free, provided you meet certain conditions.

If you’re a business owner …

• Increased tax credit for starting a retirement plan – If you have 50 or fewer employees, you can now claim a startup credit covering 100% — up from 50% — of the administrative costs of opening a 401(k) plan, up to $5,000 for each of the first three years of the plan.

Professional insights

– The age at which you must take withdrawals — known as required minimum distributions, or RMDs — from your traditional IRA and 401(k) has increased from 72 to 73, effective this year. (If you turned 72 in 2022, but still haven’t taken your first RMD, you will need to do so this year.) And in 2033, the RMD age will increase again, to 75. You don’t have to wait until these ages before taking withdrawals, but the new age limits may affect your withdrawal decisions.

• Lower penalties for missed RMDs – If you don’t take at least the RMD for a given year, you could face tax penalties. Previously, this penalty was 50% of the amount you were supposed to have taken but now it’s reduced to 25%.

• New options for qualified charitable distributions – If you’re 70½ or older, you can make a one-time qualified charitable distribution (QCD) of up to $50,000 to entities that previously couldn’t receive these QCDs, including charitable remainder annuity trusts, charitable remainder unitrusts and charitable gift annuities that meet certain criteria. Because QCDs are typically excluded from your taxable income and could satisfy some or all of your required RMDs, which are otherwise taxable, these expanded opportunities may prove beneficial from a tax standpoint. Consult with your tax advisor to determine if and how QCDs make sense for your situation.

• Employer contribution credit – You may now be able to get a tax credit based on employee matching or profit-sharing contributions. This credit is capped at $1,000 per employee and phases out gradually over five years.

• Military spouse tax incentive – If you have 100 or fewer employees who earn at least $5,000 annually, you can earn a tax credit of up to $500 for three years if you make military spouses eligible for a retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or SEP IRA. You can receive the credit for the year in which the military spouse is hired, plus the next two taxable years.

These aren’t the only provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act that may be relevant to you, and some parts of the new law go into effect in the future. You may want to contact your financial and tax advisors to see just how you might ultimately be affected by this legislation, and how you could take advantage of it.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

If you would like to discuss your personal situation with a financial advisor contact:

Mark Freeman

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017

Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com

Mark Freeman

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.

Charles Salyards

Charles “Chip” Foster Salyards Jr., age 56, passed away on April 14 in Dover, New Hampshire. Chip was a former resident of Falmouth and Hopkinton.

A husband, a father and a friend sum up everything Chip wanted in life. He was a family man first, a husband who loved unconditionally and was blessed to marry his best friend. He was a youth coach, the biggest fan to his kids, a global citizen, a proud sales professional, a life coach, a storyteller, someone who cared deeply about others, and an incredibly happy person who brought people together with his infectious smile and his gift of “gab.” He collected license plates from all over the world and was proud to have traveled to over 50 countries. While he would say he “was never the smartest guy in the room,” he often was. He enjoyed being an active participant in life, especially when it came to his children. Whether it was Singapore or Hopkinton, he loved creating time to coach them on the field and in life. A perfect day for Chip was spent with the love of his life, Wende, watching their children competing in some sport surrounded by their friends.

Charles Foster Salyards Jr. was born Oct. 25, 1966, in Boston, the only child to Phyllis (Pearce) and Charles Salyards. Chip always felt fortunate to receive an amazing amount of love from his two great parents. From the onset, they shaped the wonderful man he was to become.

He grew up in Randolph and graduated from Randolph High School in 1984. Chip attended Stonehill College, where he played football and remained great friends with his many teammates. He earned a B.A. in communications from Stonehill in 1988. Following his graduation, he became an assistant football coach in 1989. As a proud alumnus, he never stopped giving back and loved talking about how big (of an influence) Stonehill was for being a “small” school.

Always seeking to better himself, he later went on to earn an MBA from Suffolk University in 1999. Chip was a businessman who loved to mentor those who shared his thirst to learn.

From a business perspective, his first job at W.B. Mason was instrumental in his development as a sales professional. It left an indelible mark on him what hard work, commitment

and perseverance could lead to when it was applied. That later led to a 15year career at BMC Software. Nine of those years were spent based in Singapore. Following his career at BMC, he took his experience and enthusiasm for building world-class sales teams to ProntoForms, Rocket Software and Outsystems, where he held executive sales leadership positions and delivered repeated success. The culmination of Chip’s career led to his most recent appointment as chief revenue officer at Catchpoint Software.

Chip was hit hard with a “love at first sight” experience. It was in May 1995 at the Bell in Hand Tavern in Boston. Wende took his breath away and stole his heart. A true love story began immediately following that first encounter.

His favorite and most important jobs were being a husband and dad to his amazingly beautiful wife and his five fantastic children.

He is survived by his wife, Wende, daughters Kylie (25), Logan (23) and Paityn (22), sons Cole (20) and Trent (17), mother-in-law Joan Page, brother-in-law Daryl Page, sister-inlaw Andrea Page and nephews Brady and Brandon Page.

He also is survived by uncle John Salyards, aunt Jeanne Pearce and uncle Joe Ruffo, along with cousins Christopher, Eric and Danny Pearce and Mark and Joe Ruffo along with Joanne Proctor.

Chip will be remembered as a loving and caring person who touched many lives. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Visitation took place April 23 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, Falmouth. A funeral Mass was celebrated April 24 at St. Patrick’s Church, Falmouth, followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Chip to support one of two organizations close to his heart: Team Impact, teamimpact. org, or Dr. Praful Ravi’s prostate cancer research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. Please write checks payable to Dana-Farber and include “In memory of Charles Salyards” in the memory line.

For the online guestbook, visit chapmanfuneral.com.

Anne Stafford

Anne L. (Davis-Hookway) Stafford, a woman who could do almost anything and was never afraid to take on new challenges, passed away peacefully at the Care Dimensions Hospice House on April 16. She was 87 years old. Anne was born in Framingham. She grew up in the Woodville section of Hopkinton with her parents and nine siblings. She

was a graduate of Hopkinton High School and Worcester State College with a B.S. in education. Anne had a special way of reimagining herself throughout her life. She taught in Hopkinton and at a private girls school for a number of years. She was a mother raising five children in Framingham, office administrator for Jetspray Corp., office director for Koch Corporation, owner and proprietor of The Snow Goose Inn in East Brookfield, and author of three novels. She was successful in all her careers for many reasons, including her intelligence, skills and ability to work with others. She believed there was nothing she couldn’t do if she set her mind to it. She loved to interact with other people and only saw the good in everyone she met. She would bring a struggling student home for dinner. She could strike up a conversation in line at the grocery store or even while walking the Marginal Way in Maine. She loved hearing others’ stories. She was kind, without prejudice and always found a way to make connections with others. She had a deep and abiding faith in God, and it shaped who she was.

She took a home in East Brookfield and made it into the Snow Goose Inn. She managed the renovations, did much of the decoration herself, and was the chef, manager and friendly face that guests loved to see. She had regulars who visited every year who loved the accommodation but even more so loved the warmth and experience that came from Anne.

She had a love of writing from a very early age. She started with poetry, then

short stories, and eventually published three books: “The Reluctant Cougar,” “Chief Samson and Reverend Delilah,” and “Sins of Our Parents.” Descriptions of her books and samples of her poetry can be seen on her website, annedrover.com.

Anne was a talented chef and cook, and something delicious was always cooking in the oven. One of Anne’s proud accomplishments was being the head of the American Dental Auxiliary Society, even publishing a comforting guide for children awaiting their dental visit.

Nantasket was a very special place for Anne, visiting each summer with her family as she was growing up. She met her first husband, Chip Hookway, at Nantasket Beach and had a cottage there while raising her own family. She loved being near the ocean, hearing the waves, and all the summertime activities offered in the community for families. Her cottage had a barn that Anne converted into a large clubhouse for her children and their friends. It became the neighborhood hangout. She loved knowing the kids were close by.

Anne led by example and set high standards that all of her children wanted to live up to. She had an incredible devotion to her family, attending all of her children’s sporting and school events and any other activity that was important to them. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader. This tradition continued with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her love and joy, and she made sure they knew it. She cherished every moment Obituaries | page 20

with them and expressed her love for them and pride in them routinely. In her free time, she enjoyed being involved in her church, reading, gardening, live theater, political discussions, Red Hat Society, Burlington Historical Society and spending time with family and friends.

Anne had a wonderful life. At the age of 87, her bucket list was empty. She lived her life in the way she wanted. She loved adventure, challenges and new experiences. Her spirit will live on in her poetry, books and, most importantly, the memories she shared with family and friends.

Anne was the beloved wife of the late Douglas Stafford. She was the former wife of Dr. Harold H (Chip) Hookway Jr. and John Drover, both of whom predeceased her. She was the loving mother of Kerrin Hookway Frank and husband Glenn of Bedford, William Hookway of Worcester, Kevin Hookway and wife Carol of Natick, Cheri Patron and husband Matthew of Chelmsford, and the late Doug Hookway. She was the loving sister of Rosalie BakerBrown of North Yarmouth, Maine, the late Gwendolyn Ione Lawson, Edward “Ted” Davis, Muriel Wheeler, Inez Higgiston, Dr. Russell Davis, Priscilla Fredrickson, Paul Davis and Ruth Petracca-Matthews. She was like a second mom to many beloved nieces and nephews. She was the proud “Nana” to Jenna, Jordan and Cameron Frank, Shannon, Jackson, Bethany and Mitchell Hookway, Zachary Patron, Kaylee Drover and the late Tyler Patron. She was the great-grandmother of Ryan and Nick Arsenault and Benjamin Mady-

Frank.

Visiting hours were held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington, on April 21. Funeral services were held at the United Church of Christ Congregational, Burlington, on April 22. Memorials in Anne’s name may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org), 220 North Main Street, Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760.

Tom Markinac

Tom A. Markinac, 72, formerly of Hopkinton, died in his home with family in Ashland on April 13. He was the son of John and Monica (Todd) Markinac of Wayland (predeceased). Tom was a farrier for more than 30 years, having taken over his father’s business, in the MetroWest area. He was a gentle, kind and good spirit. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling with his family and brother. He was an avid reader of American history and loved nature and animals.

He is survived by children Abigail Markinac of Holliston and Thomas Markinac of Burlington, Vermont, former wife of 20 years Lynne (Busam) Markinac of Mattapoisett, brother John of Ashland, sis-

Candidates debate issues before Town Election

students, parents and staff. Stephenson stressed that support services should be offered for these students.

School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh posed a question to both candidates, asking how they would approach a situation where a parent complains about an LGBTQ pride flag being displayed in a classroom.

Fogg said her first question would be if there were other flags in the classroom, saying they are more common now in society. She said a parent with a concern should first address it with the teacher or principal. The focus of schools should be on academics, she noted.

Stephenson complimented Fogg on her answer, but her “gut reaction” would be to question how the flag was negatively impacting the student or affecting their learning.

Critical race theory

When the topic of critical race theory was raised, Stephenson said, “If my reading is OK on it, CRT is basically a pile of rubbish. However … should we be teaching our kids about slavery? Absolutely.”

Added Stephenson: “You can’t teach a child history, which is the most important thing a kid can learn, if they don’t know what impacted it, what brought it.”

Said Fogg: “I think systemic racism is real. I think it penetrates every part of

our country. I think the wounds created by systemic racism are huge, and we absolutely are still grappling with what happened in the past and what continues to happen.”

She stressed that children should learn from the past while focusing on the future. She would approach critical race theory education “with an open mind” and seek opinions from people on all sides of the issue before making an informed decision.

Closing remarks

In her closing statement, Stephenson stressed that she is “a fairly liberal thinker” who addresses situations in ways “that do not require fireworks” because of her deep background as an educator.

Fogg stressed her role as a Hopkinton Public Schools parent and volunteer. She also said party politics should “ have no place in a school committee” and that “a political party in town does not run my campaign.”

Stephenson took exception to that remark.

Said Stephenson: “I’m disappointed that anyone would think that a party would push an agenda through a school board.”

While every current member except Amanda Fargiano (unenrolled) is a Democrat, they all work hard and are not told how to vote by the party, Stephenson stressed.

ter Jean (Markinac) Blake of Brownfield, Maine, and nieces/nephews Gayle, Kelly, Colby, Ben and Curt.

Don MacNeill

Seldon “Don” MacNeill, 61, formerly of Hudson and Hopkinton, died April 9 after being transported to Milford Regional Medical Center following an accidental house fire.

Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was survived by his wife of 20 years, Judy, who has since passed. He is survived by his two sons, Brandon MacNeill of Clinton and Corey MacNeill of Charlton; stepdaughters Kristen Piper of Framingham and Kathryn Piper of Plainville; grandchildren Allegra and Travis; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Don was a pillar of his community, leading with his heart in servitude to others. He was president of Old Guard New England, a local organization that works to ensure the remains of the nation’s veterans are located, identified and honorably interred. He also worked with local community organizations such as the police and fire departments to support them in all of their needs. Don organized and participated in honor guard services for Memorial Day ceremonies, the Wreaths Across America ceremonies at Bourne National Cemetery and many other local events.

Don was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and he participated in many charity rides throughout his years. He was a kind and reliable neighbor, always willing to help those in need. He also greatly enjoyed music, working with his hands and caring for animals. He had many dogs over the years, and adored his German shepherd, Jack, who passed alongside his owners.

Don’s devotion and servitude to others will live on in those he helped and inspired. His memory and legacy exist not only with those who loved him but with all those he honored and supported along the way. Family and friends gathered to remember Don’s life at Tighe Hamilton Funeral Home, Hudson, on April 25. Interment services were private. The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Project New Hope, projectnewhopema. org.

Souad Mallouh

Souad Muneyyirci Mallouh, of Hopkinton passed away on April 12. She was 88 years old.

Souad was an avid cook, specializing in Arabic food. She was happiest cooking for, and surrounded by, her loving family. She was the dear and devoted wife of the late Ibrahim Mallouh; and loving mother of Dr. Suheil Mallouh and wife Hanna, Malak Mallouh and wife Mishel Alkass, and Jacqueline Mallouh and husband George Elias, all of Montreal, as well as Dr. Joseph Mallouh and wife Rima of Hopkinton, and Dr. Abboud Mallouh and wife Mary of Bedford. She was the cherished grandmother, “tete,” of 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and dear sister of Turkan Muneyyirci, Elias Arnett, and Dr. John Arnett, all of New York, and the late Sophi Arnett and Sabiha Muneyyirci. She also is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Souad’s funeral service was held April 18 at St. Matthews Syriac Orthodox Church in West Roxbury. Souad was laid to rest at The Gardens Cemetery on Baker Street in West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Souad’s memory may be made to the church.

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 John Jacob.

Here is Baypath’s description of John Jacob:

“We all know the famous song, ‘John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt, he wants to be your pet too!’ OK, well, John Jacob may have made that version up himself … but it’s true! This handsome young adult is looking for a new family, and he’s hoping it’s you!

This handsome, brindle boy came up from the South in hopes of finding a new home. In the meantime, he’s keeping busy by playing with dog friends or going on adventures with volunteers! John Jacob loves to walk or play with squeaky toys. Whatever you want to do, John Jacobs is happy to do it with you!”

For more information on John Jacob 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

This report contains important information about your drinking water. Please translate it or speak with someone who understands it or ask the contact listed below for a translation.

Updated information as of April 2023

Hopkinton Water Department located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts has levels of PFAS6 above the Drinking Water Standard

What happened?

Our water system received notification of PFAS6 results showing that our system violated the 20 ng/L PFAS6 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) drinking water standard during the January through March 2023 compliance period with a quarterly average of 34.7 ng/L at the Fruit St. Pump Station. The quarterly average of PFAS6 has ranged between 18 and 42 ng/L since Quarter 3, 2021 to date and our system will continue to notify consumers every 3 months with updated information as required.

Samples collected in January 2023, February 2023, and March 2023, reported levels of PFAS6 at 34.3 ng/L, 27.9 ng/L and 42.0 ng/L, respectively. Exceedance of the MCL standard has been determined from these results. Compliance with the PFAS6 MCL is calculated as a quarterly average based upon the total number of samples collected during the compliance period. The location where elevated levels of PFAS6 were reported is from one of five facilities (including the Ashland Interconnection) that supplies drinking water to our system. PFAS6 levels were reported below the MCL at our other locations.

What does this mean?

This is not an emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately. Although this is not an emergency, as a consumer of the water, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we did and are doing to correct this situation.

On October 2, 2020, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued a new drinking water regulation setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 20 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for the sum of six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (called PFAS6). PFAS6 includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA).

PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used in the manufacturing of certain fire-fighting foams, moisture and stain resistant products, and other industrial processes. An MCL is the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system. Some people who drink water containing PFAS6 in excess of the MCL may experience certain adverse effects. These could include effects on the liver, blood, immune system, thyroid, and fetal development. These PFAS6 may also elevate the risk of certain cancers. For more information on PFAS, see the links below.

What should I do?

For consumers in a sensitive subgroup (pregnant or nursing women, infants, and people diagnosed by their health care provider to have a compromised immune system)

• Consumers in a sensitive subgroup are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 ng/L.

• Consumers in a sensitive subgroup are advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking of foods that absorb water (like pasta).

• For infant formula, use bottled water or use formula that does not require adding water.

• Bottled water should only be used if it has been tested. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires companies licensed to sell or distribute bottled water or carbonated non-alcoholic beverages to test for PFAS. See https://www.mass.gov/info-details/water-qualitystandards-for-bottled-water-in-massachusetts#list-of-bottlers-

For all other consumers not in a sensitive subgroup

• If you are not in a sensitive subgroup, you may continue to consume the water because 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime consuming the water and shorter duration exposures present less risk.

• If you have specific health concerns regarding your past exposure, you should see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) link below and consult a health professional, such as your doctor.

Steps you can take to reduce your intake - Consider taking the following steps while actions are being implemented to address this issue:

• For older children and adults (not in a sensitive subgroup), the 20 ng/L value is applicable to a lifetime of consuming the water. For these groups, shorter duration exposures present less risk. However, if you are concerned about your exposure while steps are being taken to assess and lower the PFAS6 concentration in the drinking water, use of bottled water will reduce your exposure.

• In most situations, the water can be safely used for washing foods, brushing teeth, bathing, and showering. Please note: Boiling the water will not destroy PFAS6 and will somewhat increase its level due to evaporation of some of the water.

What is being done?

Our water system has taken the following pro-active measures:

• Bids were received for the construction of the Fruit Street filtration system. Construction will begin as soon as possible.

• The Southborough Town Meeting approved an article on March 25, 2023, that allows Hopkinton to pursue a connection to the MWRA water system. The design of that connection will begin soon.

• Our other sources were sampled, and those sources did not contain PFAS6 above the MCL.

• We will continue to blend water at the Fruit St. Water Treatment Facility to reduce PFAS6 levels at this location.

• We will continue to sample our water sources for PFAS6.

• We offer a bottled water rebate program for people in a sensitive subgroup in the form of a $20 monthly credit off your water bill - you may apply on our DPW website at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoImZWL-TX h4helWCVjnl6LH5vLXfmh3lqWsWyvnR2pnhw5Q/viewform

• When additional information becomes available, this public notice will be updated.

Where can I get more information?

For more information, please contact the Director of Public Works, John Westerling, at 508-497-9740 or jwesterling@hopkintonma.gov, or the Water/ Sewer Manager, Eric Carty, at 508-497-9765 or ericc@hopkintonma.gov, or view our website at: https://www.hopkintonma.gov/departments/department_of_ public_works/pfas.php

Additional information can be found at the weblinks listed below:

• MassDEP Fact Sheet – Questions and Answers for Consumers https://www.mass.gov/media/1854351

• CDC ATSDR Information on PFAS for consumers and health professionals https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health information about PFAS in Drinking Water - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/per-andpolyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-in-drinking-water

Sassy Foxx consignment shop features high-end

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

Upscale items that are pristine, current and affordable — that’s what shoppers uncover at The Sassy Foxx, a consignment store in Uxbridge. From clothing to accessories and household decor, owner Michele Provencal says her boutique always has something new. “That’s what people really love about it,” she says. “Some customers come in three times a week because our inventory changes so frequently. It gets addictive.” Items are ticketed by date, so if a customer has their eye on a handbag, for example, they’ll see its price reduced by half at the 30-day mark and fully reduced by 60 days. “When it comes to name brands for less, you really can’t beat our prices,” Provencal says. “You’re going to get something cheaper and nicer than you would at a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls. The discounts are huge, and the quality is there.”

The Sassy Foxx carries a variety of brand names, from Ann Taylor and Banana Republic to Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors. “We have a wide range of items and prices, so there’s something for everybody, and my clientele reflects that,” Provencal says. “We have teenage shoppers all the way to elderly customers, and they’re all able to find something.”

Provencal says the shop is “really selective” when it comes to the items it takes in. Potential consignors must make an appointment, and it’s not guaranteed that their items will be a right fit for the store. “My inventory is very current and features items purchased within the last two to four years,” she says. “We don’t accept anything with stains, holes or signs of wear. Items must also be freshly laundered and wrinkle-free.”

The store does up to 20 consignment appointments daily and is generally booked for two to three weeks. “Because we are such a busy store,” Provencal says, “if we take an item in, the chance of it selling is extremely high. We’re also one of the few shops that still does a 50-50 split for consignment, which means we split the profit 50-50, not 60-40 like other stores.” Sassy Foxx consignors also can receive cash at the time of sale and don’t have to wait for a particular payment date as may be required at other shops.

In addition to discovering discounted items, Provencal says what people love about her store is that it’s the “one place you can go to and never know what you’re going to come across. It’s a one-stop shop with a variety of brands and sizes and unique items that you would have never found at a regular store.”

For people with preconceived notions about the consignment shopping experience, Provencal encourages them to give Sassy Foxx a try. “I take great pride in how the store looks,” she says. “It’s immaculate. Organized racks, color-coding, clear labels, beautiful presentation. And one of the first things that newbies say when they walk in is, ‘Oh my god, it smells so good in here.’ ”

The Sassy Foxx is located at 19 Depot Street, Uxbridge. Call 508-278-9700 for more information.

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

The Sassy Foxx owner Michele Provencal (right) poses with Erin Newark, store manager of 12 years.

Lauren Anderson Softball Field Project again delivers for Hillers

The Lauren Anderson Softball Field

Project again is showing its support for the Hopkinton High School softball team. Two years after the refurbishment and rededication of Lauren Anderson Field, project organizers Riki Anderson Rubin and Kathy Kilduff on Monday presented the Athletic Department with a Changeup Super Softball Pitching Machine with cart and team windbreakers displaying the HHS logo. Lauren’s initials appear on the cuff.

“It’s important that the girls understand the program’s history,” said softball coach Shannon Allberry-Yerardi. “With Lauren’s initials on their new warmup jackets, hopefully they’ll remember that they’re playing for their teammates — past and present — and will be ready to give it their all for Hopkinton High School.”

Assistant coach Jessica Karner noted that the pitching machine will help players hone their skills and grow as a team. “These gifts continue Lauren’s legacy and enable the softball program to continue to improve,” she said.

In 2019, to mark the 25th anniversary of Lauren’s death, this volunteer group launched a fundraiser to renovate

Field 6 at HHS. Thanks to donations and in-kind services, the project raised more than $30,000 to refurbish the scoreboard and add a set of bleachers, two dugouts

New race in town to honor memory of Dick Hoyt

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

WhenDick Hoyt passed away in March 2021, it seemed fitting to honor his legacy with a road race. Hoyt competed in more than 1,000 endurance events and 32 Boston Marathons while pushing his son, Rick, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth.

When it came time to pick the location for that race, one of Dick’s other sons, Russ, said there was one site that stood above the rest.

“We wanted it to be somewhere that represented our family and everything that has gone on with their racing career,” Russ Hoyt said. “It just made sense that it was going to be in Hopkinton.”

In addition to being the starting point

for the Boston Marathon, Hopkinton has long embraced the Hoyt family. In 2013, a bronze statue was dedicated to Dick and Rick in front of Center School, right next to the start line.

About six weeks after this year’s Boston Marathon, on May 27, the Hoyt family foundation, Team Hoyt, will host the Dick Hoyt Memorial Yes You Can Run Together event (raceroster.com/events/2023/71383/ the-dick-hoyt-memorial-yes-you-canrun-together). The main race will be 5 miles long in honor of the distance of the first race Dick ever ran with Rick. There also will be a 2-mile walk to encourage participation from people who are not runners, and a free kids’ race inside one of the baseball fields at EMC Park.

The race will start and end at MaraDick Hoyt | page 25

with benches and bat racks, dugout and outfield windscreens and fence toppers.

With major field work completed, the Lauren Anderson Softball Field Project team wanted to underscore Lauren’s legacy with an additional donation. The group worked with the athletic director and softball coaches

to identify some team needs. Rubon and Kilduff presented the new gear and equipment to the school at a team practice Monday.

“Lauren’s legacy lives on,” Kilduff said. “She continues to touch the lives of these young women. We will always remember her sparkle.”

Flanked by Lauren Anderson Softball Field Project leaders Kathy Kilduff (left) and Riki Anderson Rubin (right), HHS softball team members display their new warmup jackets.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Nelson steps down after 18 years leading HHS wrestling

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

WhenTim Nelson became the Hopkinton High School wrestling coach, he was just 20 years old and only two years removed from his own high school career on the mat. Knee injuries left him unable to continue wrestling, but he wanted to stay involved in the sport.

Nearly two decades later, Nelson is leaving the Hillers to focus on his family. He said he made the decision before the winter wrestling season began, but he kept it to himself until after the season.

“It was a very hard decision to make just because I love this program and it’s all I’ve known,” Nelson said. “I love the community, I love the town of Hopkinton, everything about it.”

But now Nelson said he has a son who is thinking of getting into wrestling and asking whether his dad will be his coach.

“It’s a difficult decision to continue coaching other people’s kids, which I loved, when my own children want me around and to coach them,” he said.

Nelson said it will be tough for him this Thanksgiving when he isn’t getting ready for a wrestling season for the first time in 30 years. He said what he will miss the most are the relationships he’s developed with his athletes.

“I’ve seen these kids who come in as 14-year-old freshmen,

Less Wait Time, More Face Time.

and some of them don’t know anything about the sport, they’ve taught me a lot of father figure-type values I try to instill in my own kids,” Nelson said.

When Nelson started, he had athletes just three or four years younger than him, and they were looking to him for advice and leadership.

“You spend a lot of time with these kids and you learn hard lessons, develop work ethic, discipline, and the ability to bounce back physically and emotionally,” Nelson said. “There is so much the sport can do to prepare you for life after.”

But Nelson also wanted his team to compete at a high level, and the Hillers have been able to do that through the years. The program crowned its first state champion in 2007 when Eric DeWolfe won a title. Nelson guided the Hillers to their first sectional title as a team in 2014 without having a single individual sectional champion.

The McBride team congratulates award winner Sean McCann

The McBride Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty would like to congratulate Sean McCann on his award for Student of the Month. Sean is a junior at Hopkinton High School where he holds a number of leadership positions such as class president and National Honor Society officer. He also volunteers at Project Just Because regularly. He was chosen as the only sophomore in HHS to go to the MassStar Youth Leadership Conference. Sean is a leader of the Athletes Well-Being Club, which he started this year with two other friends. His leadership skills stand out, but he should also be recognized for his exceptionally good character!

Sean prides himself on being a good brother to his three sisters and a friend to everyone. In his spare time, he is organizing the upcoming prom, and he is on the varsity soccer and basketball teams. We are sure there is a bright future ahead for Sean!

Congratulations, Sean!

Katie McBride • Debbie Brosseau

508-277-9600

katie@mcbrideteam.com

The McBride Team 22 South Street, Suite 203 Hopkinton

www.mcbrideteam.com

“We kind of came out of nowhere, we had 11 guys play, and it was just a total team effort,” he said. “We only won the tournament by two points, so it literally took everybody.”

That season, Nelson earned Coach of the Year honors in the section. Hopkinton finished as the runner-up to Nashoba the following season. More recently, Nelson has twice coached Josh Sokol to the finals of the all-state meet and the New England championships. The growing program also had its highest turnout this past winter.

Nelson said he hoped that assistant coach Corey Mills would take over the team, and his wish was granted when Mills was named to the post on April 26.

“I feel like the program is in good shape,” Nelson said, adding that he would not be surprised to find himself coaching at the high school level again in the future, once his kids are a bit older.

“I am looking forward to the next chapter,” he said.

Hillers boys lacrosse defined by ‘grit’

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School boys

lacrosse coach Dan Norton has a single word that has come to define his 2023 squad: grit.

“That has been our key word this year,” Norton said. “We have already had a bunch of times where we were down in games and battled back. We have shown a lot of toughness.”

The grit and toughness shown by the Hillers is not limited to games, the coach said. Hopkinton has shown itself to be a team that practices hard. Norton said the players are bringing back a “blue collar” mentality to the way they play lacrosse.

Senior captain Luke Beaudet is a perfect example. The midfielder has played through injuries this year and still brought a high level of competitiveness to the field each day. Senior Joe Doyle has similarly stood out for his level of improvement and the leadership he has provided, Norton said.

The Hillers also have four juniors who are playing significant roles. Logan DelPonte is the team’s top scorer, while John Sanda is a strong two-way midfielder.

“He is a throwback kind of kid,” Norton said.

On the defensive line, Jack Provencher and Wyatt Iantosca are leading the way in their junior seasons.

“We are trying to bring back the culture, and I think the kids have really taken a huge step towards that,” Norton said.

In addition to the process goals of continuing to bring that tenacity to the field every day, Hopkinton is hoping to get back to the tournament and make a little noise once it gets there.

“It’s always a goal to qualify for the playoffs and advance in the playoffs, but our schedule is tough,” Norton said. “We have a tough non-league schedule to get us ready for the Tri-Valley League.”

King Philip, Minnechaug and Foxboro are among the talented non-TVL teams on Hopkinton’s slate this spring. In league play, Norton said he is expecting the usual suspects Medfield, Westwood and Dover to be among the strongest teams. Hopkinton will play TVL Large School Division rivals Medfield and Westwood twice, and Norton said he is hoping to see his team’s improvement play out when they tangle with those squads for the second time.

“We want to get back where we belong, in that mix of the top teams,” he said. “We have been improving each game, and we are excited for the second round of playing some of those guys.”

When asked what skill will define the team this spring, Norton went back to the theme of Hillers boys lacrosse for 2023.

“It’s all about toughness,” he said. “We have some kids playing through being nicked up, and I just think, compared to teams in the past, the way we practice and the way we have battled shows a group that just doesn’t give up. It’s a gritty group.”

Coach Tim Nelson talks to Hillers wrestlers during a match this past season.

Coach Dan Norton talks to his players during a recent game.

Experienced senior group leads HHS girls lax

The Hillers battle Westwood for possession

By Chris Villani

Contributing Writer

The Hopkinton High School girls lacrosse team missed out on the postseason a year ago, but coach Katelyn Wedemeyer is hopeful that a group of seniors who have played together for most of their lives can help the Hillers pull off some significant victories this spring.

“We are looking to improve, we didn’t make the tournament last year, and the hope is obviously to make the tournament this year,” Wedemeyer said. “Our seniors have played together since they were in the third grade, and all of them bring a lot of experience. They are a great group of seniors.”

The coach said her team has been excited for the season and shown strong energy through the first few games of the year. Senior captain Emily Hayward is one of the team’s top offensive threats.

“She is playing really well, and she takes all of our draws,” Wedemeyer said. “She is a real threat on the field.”

Another midfielder, senior captain Emma Dacey, is planning to continue her lacrosse career at UConn next season.

“She has a high lacrosse IQ, and she is the most selfless player,” Wedemeyer said. “She is a really great team player.”

Jaymie Arena is another leading scorer and one of the team’s most experienced players on the attack. Sinead Herr is an-

during a game this season.

other senior captain and one of the most versatile on the field.

“She has played everywhere from attack to midfield to defense,” Wedemeyer said. “She is extremely fit, and she always has the best vibes about her, the best energy. She is a great vocal leader on the team.”

Stonehill-bound captain Michaela Scannevin leads the defense, one of the youngest groups on the roster.

“She has been a good role model and an anchor for our defense,” Wedemeyer said. “A lot of our defense is new, and she is taking charge and leading the team back there.”

In addition to the five senior captains, Hopkinton benefits from senior Lily Tourigny on the attack and Morgan Arnold in goal. Wedemeyer said she is looking for her team to continue to improve week by week against a challenging schedule.

“We want to have a lot of fun and keep a positive mentality and just have them learn from their teammates,” she said. “We want this to be a really good season.”

Hopkinton’s schedule this spring includes some tough non-league contests, and Wedemeyer said there will be no letdowns or days off when taking on the Tri-Valley League.

“The TVL is the hardest league in the state to compete in, and the other teams just keep developing and getting better,” she said. “It’s just a very competitive landscape in the TVL Large.”

New race in town to honor memory of Dick Hoyt

Dick Hoyt | from page 23

thon Elementary School and take runners past the bronze statue. UMass Memorial has signed on as the title sponsor, and Dick’s Sporting Goods is sponsoring the kids’ race to keep it free of charge. Russ Hoyt said Start Line Brewing also has come on board, so adult runners will be able to enjoy a beer after the race.

“The whole thing just came together with all of these pieces and the town has been amazing,” he said. “Everyone has been very supportive.”

The proceeds from the race will benefit Team Hoyt and its mission to increase access to athletics for people with disabilities. The organization has helped athletes acquire items like the running chair that Rick has used, an adaptive saddle for a competitive horseback rider, a blade for skiing, and other similar items.

“It’s all about trying to give individuals with disabilities the same opportunities

to participate that Rick had,” Russ Hoyt said.

After a health scare and a bout with pneumonia about three years ago, Rick’s health is better than it has been in a long time, Russ shared. Rick has been receiving treatment at UMass Memorial and his lungs have improved, his brother said.

Asked what his father would think of the upcoming event, Russ said that his dad’s first instinct would be to say, “They should be honoring somebody else.”

But he was quick to point out that the grant is named for both Dick and Dick’s former wife, Judy, who was instrumental in helping to get laws passed to allow individuals with disabilities to be educated in public schools.

“He would love the fact that it’s about what both he and Mom accomplished,” Russ said. “The fact that we have this grant and that the race is going to support it, I think he would feel really good.”

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

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.

ARRESTS

April 14

12:25 a.m. Officer Augusto Diaz conducted a motor vehicle stop on Hayden Rowe Street and subsequently arrested a 30-year-old resident of Shelburne Falls and charged him with OUI liquor and a rate of speed exceeding the posted limit.

April 20

1:25 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker conducted a motor vehicle stop on Main Street and Sergeant William Burchard responded as backup. A 26-year-old from Milford was arrested and charged with marked lanes violation, leaving scene of property damage, negligent operation of motor vehicle, and OUI liquor.

April 11

4:23 a.m. An employee of a West Main Street business reported a man shouting and striking a vehicle with a stick. The caller stated the man did not appear well. The man then left the parking lot and drove onto Interstate 495 northbound. The State Police were notified.

11:13 a.m. A caller reported two missing 2-year-olds on Wood Street. Multiple officers responded along with an ambulance. Officer Nicholas Walker reported the missing children were located nearby. Sergeant Timothy Brennan spoke with all involved parties and took a report.

11:58 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker assisted the Fire Department with a brush fire on West Main Street. Eversource was notified.

2:24 p.m. A motorist flagged down Officer Cody Normandin and reported his vehicle was possibly shot at by a BB gun. Officer Nicholas Walker checked the area for anything suspicious. Officer Normandin took a report.

2:39 p.m. A caller reported a roadside domestic incident on West Main Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Cody Normandin, Matthew Santoro and Nicholas Walker responded and spoke with the involved parties. The female refused to give information and denied a domestic incident occurred. Sergeant Brennan took a report.

3:29 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil was flagged down on Lumber Street by a person who reported an unruly customer at a restaurant who drank too much. His keys were taken away, and he was waiting for a ride.

7:39 p.m. A Revolutionary Way caller reported her 14-year-old was missing. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Shannon Beloin responded and took a report.

April 12

9:44 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on Glen Road that was blocking the road. Officer Sean McKeon responded and moved the tree.

7:10 p.m. A caller reported parties engaging in inappropriate acts in a car with children present. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Shannon Beloin responded, and the activity ended. A report followed.

April 13

7:19 a.m. A Knoll Road resident reported large amounts of water pouring into his basement from the roadway. Officer Tyler Staback responded along with the Water Department and Fire Department.

7:44 a.m. A caller reported someone attempting to tip over a portable toilet on Ash Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Tyler Staback responded and found painters playing a prank on each other.

12:27 p.m. A caller reported a lowbed truck that bottomed out on Wood Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Tyler Staback responded and assisted with traffic.

8:14 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle with lights on and running for over an hour on West Main Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and contacted the owner, who reported her daughter got a ride to school and forgot the vehicle was running. Officer Saletnik waited for her to come back and advised her it was a violation.

April 14

11:24 a.m. A Turnbridge Lane caller complained of a white Jeep full of teenage girls speeding through the neighborhood. The caller stated they have been spoken to before about speeding. Officer Sean McKeon responded, and they were gone upon his arrival.

3:52 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles on Main Street. One person reported neck pain. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a crash report.

5:21 p.m. A Falcon Ridge Road caller reported seeing smoke and flames in his backyard. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department and extinguished the small mulch fire.

5:43 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported a bunch of kids at Lake Whitewall left the area trashed, and when she told them to pick up after themselves, they said no. She provided Officer Shannon Beloin a license plate number.

7:02 p.m. A Riverbend Road resident reported that while he was doing landscaping on his property, a person from across the river in Southborough threatened the caller, stating that if he made noise again, he would pull out his chainsaw and make the caller’s life a living hell. The caller only wanted the incident logged.

April 15

1:30 a.m. A Leonard Street caller reported she believed she heard her front door open and someone inside. The call was dropped, and nobody answered on the call back. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Augusto Diaz and Nicholas Walker responded and checked the home with a negative find.

1:58 p.m. A Davis Road resident reported a woman opened the caller’s door and asked her for a cigarette. She told her no and to leave. Officer Tyler Staback responded and spoke with the reporting person.

6:24 p.m. An Ash Street resident complained of a neighbor operating a loud piece of equipment. Officer Cody Normandin responded and reported a person was mowing his lawn, and it did not warrant any police involvement.

9:48 p.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle struck a tree on Lumber Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Matthew LaTour and Cody Normandin responded and assisted a male with a head laceration. An ambulance transported him to UMass. Officer Normandin was to issue him a summons, and charges were to be filed at a later date. The vehicle was towed.

April 16

11:41 a.m. A caller reported smoke from inside a Church Street building and the side of the building turning black. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department.

11:59 a.m. A caller reported a trailer was stolen on West Main Street within the past hour. Officer Tyler Staback responded and took a report.

12:34 p.m. A caller reported a family causing a disturbance on Lumber Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Tyler Staback responded and checked for an irate family with a negative find. Officers explained options to staff in case the family returns.

4:55 p.m. A Brian Lane resident reported brown water coming from household faucets. The water department was contacted.

11:02 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash on Pond Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Nicholas Walker and Cody Normandin responded

and reported four juveniles evacuated the vehicle and one person had head trauma and an arm laceration. The Fire Department and Verizon responded. The Verizon pole was snapped in half. Property damage was found at a Pond Street residence. A tow truck removed the vehicle. A criminal application was issued to the driver.

April 17

8:31 a.m. Officer Cody Normandin responded to a report of a bus crashing into a light post on South Street. No personal injuries were reported.

10:53 a.m. A detail officer handed in a Texas license plate found at the Boston Marathon start line.

12:57 p.m. A walk-in handed in a Honda key found in the VIP area at the Marathon start line.

2:26 p.m. A caller requested assistance locating her vehicle. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and provided her with a courtesy transport around the State Park, and the vehicle was located.

3:53 p.m. A Boston Marathon volunteer who found an iPhone at the Athletes Village accidentally took it home with her to Cape Cod and stated she was unable to return to Hopkinton until May 9. She was advised to take it to the Harwich Police Department.

April 18

11:18 a.m. Officer Matthew LaTour assisted the Westborough Police Department in searching for a missing female on Davis Road and at the Senior Center. The individual was not located.

12:59 p.m. A caller reported finding a cooler and a briefcase filled with drugs on Hayden Rowe Street. Officers Matthew LaTour and Brittany Firth responded and reported the items were not drugs and disposed of them.

April 19

12:20 p.m. Officer Brittany Firth responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on South Street and took a report. No personal injuries were reported.

1:59 p.m. A caller reported his trailer was stolen on West Main Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil took a report.

4:01 p.m. A caller reported she witnessed a car rear-end another car and take off on West Main Street. The owner of the struck vehicle visited the station to report the accident. Officer Nicholas Saletnik took a report.

4:26 p.m. A caller reported a water main break on Legacy Farms North. The Water Department was notified.

10:07 p.m. A walk-in reported someone hacked his Instagram account with vulgar photos. Officer Robert Ekross took a report.

April 20

4:15 a.m. A Falcon Ridge Drive resident reported there was smoke in one of her first-floor rooms, all of the appliances were going off and she smelled a strong odor. The caller was advised to turn off her breaker and evacuate. Sergeant William Burchard responded along with the Fire Department and discovered an electrical problem.

4:09 p.m. A Kimball Road resident reported he asked the operator of a vehicle to move off his property, and the person told him to call the police. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and spoke with the reporting person. The vehicle was removed.

5:41 p.m. A Winter Street resident reported two men showed up at her door trying to sell solar panels and they had no ID. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and checked the area with a

negative find.

April 21

6:08 p.m. An Ash Street caller reported an oxygen tank not turning off and requested assistance. Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with an ambulance.

April 22

8:06 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard assisted the Truro Police Department in searching for a vehicle on West Main Street. The vehicle was not located.

April 24

7:36 a.m. A concerned Nicholas Road resident reported a male standing in front of her residence. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Brennan Grimley responded and reported it was a high school student playing a game. All was OK.

11:04 a.m. The Ashland Police Department reported receiving a call about a man dressed in camouflage and walking with a shotgun on East Main Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan reported he spoke with two hunters at that location earlier, as it was opening day for turkey season, and their vehicles were gone.

9:08 p.m. A caller reported her grocery delivery was stolen. Officer Matthew LaTour took a report of larceny.

This issue’s winner is Gina Diune for this photo of “Two boys and their bunnies at the freshly painted start line” of the Boston Marathon in mid-April. 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.