HI 6.14.23

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT

HHS graduates urged to embrace change

Card & Gift store to close,

building available

for lease

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

Hopkinton

Wellness and Hopkinton

Card & Gift have existed in some form for almost seven decades in the center of town. That’s about to change.

Husband-and-wife owners Dennis Katz and Terry Anthony are planning to close the businesses at 52 Main Street — on the corner of Route 135 and Route 85 — and the building is available for rent or lease. The property includes the home at 6 Cedar Street, an adjoining parcel that the company bought about 20 years ago as a potential expansion or parking, Katz said.

“It’s time,” Katz said. “I still have my health, I still have a lot of good energy. Now I have an opportunity to try and take a little bit better care of myself than I’ve had an opportunity to do over the last 15 or so years, running this place. It’s time. I feel good about it. I feel very good about it.”

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing

Speakers at the Hopkinton High School commencement ceremony on June 2 urged graduates to embrace change, cherish memories and make an impact in the world.

Shelby Jones, class president, spoke about the movie “Inside Out,” featuring a young girl experiencing a myriad of emotions: sadness, fear, disgust, anger and joy. She likened each of these feelings to what the graduates may be experiencing now as they prepare to leave what is familiar.

Although it is sad to leave their high school days behind, she said, the emotion comes with gratitude to all of those who helped them come this far.

Rather than be fearful, Jones encouraged her classmates to look at the future as an exciting time of opportunity, and channel their anger about the injustices of the world into action as part of the “generation of change.”

After reviewing many experiences at different grade levels, Jones said the Class of 2023 is sharing an important milestone

A rental sign was placed outside the store June 2, and Katz said there

Valedictorian Avani Daga talked to her classmates about resilience during the June 2 graduation exercises, which were moved inside due to rain.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Gwennyth Dyer celebrates during the HHS graduation car parade on June 3 as it passes the Town Common.

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Take a hike with Trails Committee

The Hopkinton Trails Coordination & Management Committee’s goal is simple: happy trails to you.

The TCMC is making a push to educate residents about the dozens of miles of trails available for use in town. To that end, the committee is sponsoring a childfocused trail walk this Saturday, June 17, starting at 10 a.m. on the trail behind Center School.

The TCMC already has hosted a couple of events, including an informational session at the Hopkinton Library with about 15 organizations that drew about 100 attendees.

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EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com

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“We’re trying to share more about the trails in town so we can encourage more people to use them, because we think a lot of people don’t know enough about them,” said TCMC member Linda Chuss.

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS

JERRY SPAR

“We decided to focus on kids first. We had a big event at the library back in April to sort of kick this whole thing off. In May we had our first guided kids walk, to see the beaver dam and lodges up at the Fruit Street fields.”

Chuss said the focus this year is children, then the TCMC might pick another group, perhaps seniors or mountain bikers, next year. The goal, she noted, is to make people aware of the many opportunities to hike in Hopkinton.

“Really just discovering the trails they don’t know about in town, so they can get the benefit of exercise, enjoy nature, take advantage of this really great,

free, beautiful thing we have,” Chuss said. “Everybody uses Center Trail or knows about it, a lot of people use the bike path down in Milford, there are some very popular trails. We’d just like people to know there are probably over 100 miles of trails in town, and they probably only know about fewer than 10 percent of them. There are some really gorgeous views and wonderful ponds and streams to relax at. That’s the main thing, just people don’t seem to be aware of them or know they are free to use them.”

Anyone seeking more information can email hopkintontrails@gmail.com.

Farmers Market seeks new leadership

The annual Hopkinton Farmers Market opened June 11 and runs every Sunday from 1-5 p.m. through Oct. 15 at the Town Common. Items for sale include produce, bread, meat, eggs, prepared foods, coffee, sweet treats, maple syrup, pickles, macarons, artisan creations and much more, and there is musical entertainment as well.

Independent thoughts | 3

Kids,

1. Jamie’s son, Treavor, just got his driver’s license. While out driving the family car, he has an accident. Would Jamie’s auto policy cover the claim even if Treavor was not listed as a driver yet?

2. Annette is selling her home. During the moving process her $10,000 necklace disappears. Would her homeowner policy cover the claim?

3. Leigh and Connell are out golfing. While driving the golf cart, Leigh accidentally runs over Connell’s foot, causing serious injury. Would Leigh have any coverage for the injuries through his auto or home insurance?

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Farmers Market seeks new leadership

Produce farmer Laura Davis has organized the event since 2013, when the market relocated to the Town Common after more than a decade at Weston Nurseries, and she recently announced this will be her final year at the helm. She is seeking someone to step up and take over.

“I would love to have someone continue this legacy, which has been a great town benefit,” Davis shared. “The market has a large potential to grow the number of vendors, events and attendees and just needs an organization or a special someone to take the reins. While my time as the organizer has been as a volunteer, the market has the potential to support a part-time manager to run the market.”

Davis invites anyone with interest to email her at hopkintonharvest@gmail. com.

The market has awarded $25,000 in scholarships to Hopkinton High School seniors headed to college to study environmental science, civics, food science and culinary arts, or agriculture.

Comedy for a Cause raises $20K

The second annual RE/MAX Executive Charitable Foundation Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser, held April 28 at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, raised more than $20,000, organizers announced.

“It was a tremendous evening,” foundation president Sandy Lucchesi stated. “Energy ran high as two very funny professional comedians [Al Park and Sean Sullivan] played to a full house! A successful event for our foundation.”

This year, the foundation already has made six grants to help support families in need, including $2,100 to cover the medical bill for a 4-year-old girl who suffers from a rare kidney disorder.

The group’s next event is its fourth annual Cornhole Fundraiser, which will be held Aug. 19 at Thayer House in Medway. Visit remax-executiverealty-ma. com for more information.

Nguyen hits cookie mark

Congratulations to Emma Nguyen, who sold more than 800 packages of Girl Scout cookies this school year, making her a repeat member of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts 500 Club and earning her a trip to Canoe Lake Park as a reward.

“My goal this year was to surpass my prior year’s sales [605] and I was determined to put in the extra effort to accomplish this,” shared Nguyen, a member of Hopkinton Junior Troop 67208.

“The Cookie Program has really allowed me to learn important and new business and entrepreneurship skills. The earnings from my cookie sales will provide me with Cookie Credits to go towards many fun adventures with my Troop, including overcoming my fear of heights while rope climbing and zip-lining!”

During the 2022-23 Cookie Program, 2,202,539 packages were sold by Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, the organization reports, and 700 individuals became members of the 500 Club for selling at least 500 packages.

Misc.: No Horribles Parade this July 4

The annual Horribles Parade, once a July 4 tradition in town, continues to be on hiatus. Organizer Dan McIntyre said he was not able to generate much interest in reviving the event for this year. The last parade was held in 2019. The pandemic and the Main Street Construction Project were cited as reasons for the parade’s cancellation the last three years. …

The Hopkinton-based Live4Evan charity is looking for runners to join its team for the Falmouth Road Race, the iconic 7-mile run on Cape Cod. Anyone interested in participating can email dave.krueger@live4evan.org. …

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts announced that Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates is this year’s HCA Celebrity Spotlight Artist. Oates will give an acoustic performance at the HCA on Sept. 9. For more information, visit hopartscenter.org.

Support for HHS car parade

Having just navigated in the Hopkinton High School Class of 2023 car parade and experiencing such pride (Congrats Marisa and all the Class of 2023!), I felt obligated to raise my voice in favor of keeping this wonderful event in perpetuity. The sheer amount of joy and pride by all those involved in the parade as well as the hundreds of people lining the streets was simply amazing. The parade demonstrated support not only for the graduating seniors but for the Hopkinton community as a whole. In the current climate where there is division and animosity on nearly everything, this one single event brings everyone in the community together to share pride and joy for the town of Hopkinton. I cannot understand any justification that this one-hour event should be discontinued, as it is slated to be. Sure, there is some disruption in traffic, but there are plenty of other events in town that disrupt traffic even more. And there are plenty of other events (political, social, etc.) in town that also disrupt traffic but can have unintended consequences of division, protest and even hate in some cases. This event truly brings everyone together. If you feel the same, I ask you to let your voice be heard as well. Keep the car parade!

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

— Chris Alicandro, Hopkinton

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

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According to a statement from members of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee’s Executive Committee, longtime HDTC chair Darlene Hayes resigned June 5 after being exposed for posting comments on news websites in town under various aliases.

HopNews posted a story detailing Hayes’ actions on its website. According to a search of the Independent comments section, messages were left under stories this past April and May from the same IP address (which identifies the hosting computer) under various names, including N. Centino, Hopkinton Parent, WWJD, Welcoming Hopkinton Parent, Mary Jones and Heather.

The majority of the comments were critical of School Committee candidate Ashley Fogg, an unenrolled candidate who was running against two Democrats for one of the two open seats in the May 15 Annual Town Election. After losing the race, Fogg criticized Hayes for bullying and spreading misinformation.

“Like many residents of Hopkinton, we were surprised and disappointed to read this morning about the online activities of our colleague and friend Darlene Hayes,” reads the HDTC statement, attributed to vice chair Dick Duggan, recording secretary Ellen Rutter and technology secretary Amy Groves. “As officers of the HDTC, we wish to make it clear that the chair did not act on behalf of the HDTC or its membership. Such actions are not consistent with our principles of openness and transparency, or with our commitment to run positive campaigns. We have accepted Ms. Hayes’ resignation as chair.”

Hayes also resigned from the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Hayes, who serves as a commissioner on the Hopkinton Housing Authority, declined comment when reached by the Independent.

UCTC survey progresses

The Select Board at its June 6 meeting reviewed questions for a survey created to solicit public feedback on the Upper Charles Trail Committee in response to the resounding but nonbinding Town Meeting vote last month calling for the UCTC to be disbanded and restructured.

Select Board members Amy Ritterbusch and Irfan Nasrullah , the board’s UCTC liaison, produced a draft of the UCTC survey at a subcommittee meeting on May 28. They presented it to the full board for further input and refinement. Survey questions related to the UCTC’s charge and composition as well as residents’ preferences on trail usage and surfacing.

“The purpose of the survey was to find a way to move forward with stakeholders for a solution that the majority of the town will support,” Ritterbusch explained.

“We just want to find out what people want as far as the process goes,” added Nasrullah, noting that the questions will help the Select Board pinpoint and resolve the public’s issues with the UCTC’s performance.

While Ritterbusch said it was “very clear” from the discussion at Town Meeting that the community disapproved of a trail segment that would potentially cross Hayden Rowe Street, no one spoke about making the UCTC a subcommittee of the Trails Coordination and Management Committee other than the article’s proponent, TCMC chair Peter LaGoy.

Board vice chair Shahidul Mannan

raised a concern that putting out a survey might negate the will of the majority of Town Meeting members who voted in favor of Article 47.

In response, Nasrullah said that both the UCTC and the TCMC were formed by the Select Board. The Select Board can use the survey responses to determine what people see as issues with the UCTC and then decide the best way to rectify them.

The survey was to be reviewed by a consultant before distribution. It will be sent out electronically, and paper copies will be made available at designated public locations.

DPW announces street repaving plan

Hopkinton’s Department of Public Works announced that the 2023 Pavement Management Plan roadwork is tentatively scheduled to begin sometime after July 4. Information will be released as each project moves forward.

The following streets are scheduled to be resurfaced this summer: Appaloosa Circle (full length), Breakneck Hill Road (full length), Gibbon Road (full length), Glen Road (Lumber Street to Breakneck Hill Road) and Ridge Road (full length).

Once work begins on each project, drivers should expect delays, seek alternate routes when possible and plan accordingly. Individuals also should not park on the street, as this will interfere with the contractor’s ability to complete the needed work.

Under the town’s road opening permit policy, no permit will be granted for a period of five years on newly paved streets except in the case of an emergency. Anyone considering any utility work that requires excavation within the town’s right of way on any of the listed streets, must complete the work by July 4.

Misc.: Volunteers recognized

As part of the Select Board’s volunteer recognition program, chair Muriel Kramer called out Youth Commission teenage members Eva Bennet and Josh Jones, whom she witnessed in action during a recent event highlighting how volunteerism can help with mental health.

“I cannot express to you well enough how well they represented the Youth Commission, themselves, the work that they do, the value of volunteering, the respect that they showed to other volunteers — it was really inspirational, to be honest,” Kramer said.

Kramer also recognized Russ Ellsworth, who has been volunteering “longer than I’ve been alive” in a variety of roles and “inspirationally still volunteering for the Town of Hopkinton.”

Additionally, Kramer credited veteran Bill Hamilton for overseeing the creation of a World War II monument on the Town Common, which was unveiled on Memorial Day. “It’s an amazing accomplishment,” Kramer said. “We’re the beneficiaries, but for generations to come, people will be beneficiaries of that kind of investment in our town.” …

The Select Board approved the hiring of Linda Assim as an administrative assistant in the Land Use, Planning & Permitting Department.

She is filling the vacancy created when Anna Rogers was named the environmental and inspectional services coordinator.

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Judi Allessio for this photo titled “Whitehall Nature Art.” To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@ hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

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

Conservation Commission enforces fines on The Trails development

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to enforce the collection of $43,100 in fines assessed against The Trails at its meeting June 6.

The Trails, an 80-unit open-space mixed-use development (OSMUD) off Legacy Farms North Road, between Wilson Street and the Ashland border, has been plagued by stormwater management issues that have negatively impacted the water system in Ashland, and violations first were issued in the summer of 2021. Both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board have sought remediation plans in previous months. A peer consultant was brought in to review the stormwater management practices, and work has been performed off-site to control stormwater runoff.

Conservation Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli shared a letter dated Aug. 17, 2021, that she sent to property owner Vin Gately of Heritage Properties. The letter described the fines for violations that occurred over that summer. There had been periods of torrential rain during that period, and the erosion control methods in place could not withstand it.

The first fine assessed was in 2018 for $6,000. Ciaramicoli said it was held in abeyance until the violations occurred in the summer of 2021 and was paid at that time.

Fines in the amount of $22,800 were assessed for violations of the orders of conditions during the summer of 2021. Also, $16,400 in fines were assessed for violating the Town of Hopkinton Wetlands Protection Bylaw for not filing stormwater pollution prevention plan, or SWPPP, re-

ports. A third fine of $3,900 was assessed for a subsequent violation, bringing the total of uncollected fines to $43,100. Fines are required to be paid within 20 days, making them due no later than Sept. 17, 2021, according to the letter.

As that due date approached, Ciaramicoli explained, the applicant said that off-site improvements permitted by the Conservation Commission would be performed. The hope of the developer was that the cost incurred by these improvements would offset the amount of these fines.

At an April meeting, the commission unanimously approved a notice of intent that would allow the second phase of The Trails development to begin. The discussion about the fines was tabled until this meeting.

Chair Jeff Barnes noted that commissioners needed to consider the collection of fines against other subdivision developers who received violations, including Turkey Ridge Estates and Pulte Homes, when deciding to collect fines against The Trails previously held in abeyance.

Said Barnes: “I think it’s time that we have to issue fines.”

Member Ted Barker-Hook agreed with Barnes’ reasoning, with one caveat.

“I don’t think we’ve held them in abeyance,” he said. “I think that Mr. Gately has held them in abeyance. He’s chosen not to pay them for the past year-and-a-half.”

Added Barker-Hook: “I think fines are there for a reason, and sometimes it comes time to collect them.”

Member Janine LeBlanc said that while she appreciated the work the applicant has done to rectify the stormwater management issues and improve the site, other developers were assessed fines even Conservation Commission | page 6

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Active Lions Club eager to add to membership

By Jane Bigda Contributing Writer

The Hopkinton Lions Club is looking for some good men and women to spend just a few hours each month helping the community and international causes such as eye research and disaster relief.

“We invite anyone interested in joining a small active group of folks whose goal is to support the Hopkinton community to talk to us,” said Mike Tarsi, the club’s president.

Founded in 1975, the Hopkinton Lions have been living up to the club motto, “We serve,” for almost 50 years. “We try to be involved in some type of local activity each month,” said Tarsi. The list of activities involves almost every age group and aspect of Hopkinton life. Recent activities included sponsoring an annual speech contest for high school students complete with a $100 prize for the winner, holding a Santa Day for special needs children, creating and sending Valentine’s cards to hospitalized veterans, working with the Friends of Hopkinton to host a fun day for youngsters at the Family Fling and offering residents a chance to clear out attics and cellars at the organization’s annual townwide yard sale.

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“A good example of what we do is the Repair Cafe we held in April with the Hopkinton Senior Center,” said Tarsi. He noted a friend gave him the idea and contacted the Senior Center to see if it would be interested in working with the club. The Lions coordinated the 17 volunteers, both members and other residents, who showed up with toolboxes for the event. The Senior Center provided the site and the publicity.

“We had over 84 items brought in for

repair,” said Tarsi, “and we fixed about 70 of those items.” In addition, dozens of knives, scissors and yard tools were sharpened.

“We are always looking for new things to do, and this event, the second that we held, turned out very, very well,” added Tarsi. “Everyone was happy with the results.”

Besides supporting the community and local charities, the Hopkinton Lions Club also is part of Lions International, the world’s largest service club organization, with close to 1.4 million members in almost every country of the world. Founded in 1917, Lions International works to fight blindness and provide vision care by supporting research and screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics and raising awareness about eye disease. Lions International also offers volunteers and funds for disaster relief, provides funding to help combat diabetes and dementia, and supports other causes.

“Our members really do a lot without investing a lot of their time,” Lions Club | page 7

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when site improvements were made, so there is an element of equity in collecting these fines now. Barnes agreed.

Barnes also noted that in 2018, the Conservation Commission “strongly recommended” that the tree clearing and grubbing be done in stages.

“Unfortunately, the developer decided not to heed that advice and clear-cut the entire site and grubbed the entire site,” he said. When Barnes visited the site after the violations occurred, he said he nearly sank hip-deep into the mud.

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Said Barnes: “It was basically like quicksand.”

Project engineer Peter Bemis said he understood the rationale for collecting the fines. But he added that there were costly off-site improvements that were incurred by the developer.

Member Ed Harrow said he recognized the “good work” that Bemis has done to bring the site into compliance. But the consequences of the clear-cutting

and grubbing activity were “so obvious.”

Barnes added that “it took a little bit of pushing” from the commission to get the site brought into compliance, and it was not done of the developer’s own accord. He also noted that Ciaramicoli was not notified when tree clearing occurred, and he requested more diligent communication between the developer and the commission.

Barnes also noted that Gately was not in attendance at the meeting despite an earlier pledge to attend meetings on the project. Ciaramicoli noted that Gately’s presence was “strongly encouraged” but not required.

“I think construction phasing is going to be your best friend during the second phase of the project,” Barnes said. “I just want to make sure that we’re working as partners on the second phase and that we don’t run into the same types of issues that we did on the first phase of the project.”

Ciaramicoli added that the building permits for the second phase may be held up if the outstanding fines are not paid.

Conservation Commission | from page 5

A member of the Hopkinton Lions puts the finishing touches on the club’s float for the town’s 300th anniversary parade in 2015.

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HHS graduates urged to embrace change, impact world

said there is no one better to interrupt the status quo than these graduating students.

Having proven their resilience through COVID and trying times, Cavanaugh said, “I believe in your ability to disrupt the universe” by fixing problems like hunger, global warming and, jokingly, the traffic at the high school.

She concluded, “Wherever life takes you, this little town has got your back.”

Valedictorian Avani Daga also spoke about resilience and thanked everyone from parents, siblings, teachers and coaches/mentors for the role they played in shaping their lives thus far.

the students will never forget.

She harkened back to the mixed emotions the graduates were currently feeling.

“It’s a feeling that will be touched by many different colors,” Jones said. “I hope most of all by the bright yellow of joy and, of course, Hillers green and orange.”

She added that “Inside Out” Part 2 is due out this summer and said it is time for the students to write their own sequel and step into the next chapter of their lives.

“I can’t wait to hear your stories when we meet again,” Jones said.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh talked about the term “new normal,” calling it a misnomer because each student has a unique path — their own set of values, hopes and circumstances.

“What gets packed into your lifetime suitcase” can constantly keep shifting in flight, Cavanaugh noted. She said it is up to each person to establish and define a unique new normal, guided by the adults who care for them — including families and educators.

Although there could be “delays, cancellations and flat tires” as they go through life, she said, “may your journey be everything you dream it will be.”

Quoting C.S. Lewis, “Do I dare disturb the universe?” the superintendent

Active Lions Club eager to add to membership

Lions Club | from page 6 said Tarsi. He estimated the current membership of a dozen members spends about three to four hours a month doing club activities, including the hour or so monthly meeting. “Considering all we do, it is not a big time sink for our members,” he said. “If we had more members we could do even more.” Ideally, he hopes club membership would double.

Joining the club is fairly straightforward. “We ask any interested adult man or woman to contact us. We will talk to them and invite them to a meeting. If they want to join, we assign each one to a current member, who will help them learn more about the club through online and printed materials,” said Tarsi.

“We hope others will get to know and join this small but very active group of people so we can do more for the Hopkinton community,” added Tarsi.

Anyone interested in more information about the Hopkinton Lions should visit HopkintonLions.org or email HopkintonLions@gmail.com.

“I credit our accomplishments to their commitment to see us succeed,” Daga said. She said it is time to take that inspiration and make the same impact on others. Every graduate has “incredible talents,” she said, “whether leadership skills, kindness and compassion, an analytical mind or creativity.”

Daga encouraged classmates to strive to become their “best selves,” to share talents with the community and help other people.

Class advisors Dee King and Cheryl Elder were presented gifts, and Elder announced Shelby Jones as the recipient of the Marion T. Harris Award, praising her as a true leader and role model.

Class secretary Robert Litscher announced that the class gift was a trophy case for the atrium in recognition of all the athletic successes of 2023.

Principal Evan Bishop described the class as having “diverse talents and interests,” as well as 11 sets of twins and a set of triplets. As a parent of twins preparing for middle school, he jokingly asked the parents for advice and said he felt a unique connection with the Class of 2023.

“The year I started, 2005, is also the year many of you were born,” he noted. They’ve come full circle together over 18 years, Bishop said, starting with “little or no hair, tired and needing naps,” the same way he would describe himself now.

Sprinkling Taylor Swift song titles into his remarks, Bishop told students to believe in themselves and dust themselves off after difficult times. He referred to the untimely death of classmate Mikayla Miller two years ago, saying how proud he was of how the students stood together and supported each other.

Continuing with the song titles, Bishop added, “After tonight, we’re never ever getting back together.” He said he hoped their school days were a “fairy tale.”

For the complete list of graduates, check the graduation story at the Hopkinton Independent website.

Class president Shelby Jones delivers her graduation speech.

Graduation | from page 1

Timlin Event returns June 17 for 20th edition

By Sidhi Dhanda Contributing Writer

In 2004, the newly formed Hopkinton Running Club was looking to organize a race. Members were asked if they had a cause important to them, and Abbie Rosenberg did. Her friend George Mazareas recently had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS takes away an individual’s ability to control muscles, ultimately impacting speech, mobility and basic daily functions.

There is no cure for the disease, and Rosenberg wanted to contribute in some way. Through The Angel Fund, a local charity that funds ALS research, Rosenberg connected with then-Red Sox relief pitcher Mike Timlin. Timlin’s mother, Sharon, was diagnosed with ALS in 2002 and died less than a year later. The annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event was started.

The first year there were around 400 runners, but it quickly grew to well over 1,000 participants.

This June 17 marks the 20th year of the race. Through the event, more than $2 million has been raised for The Angel Fund, which benefits ALS research at UMass Chan Medical School, led by Dr. Robert Brown. The money goes toward researching causes of the disease, developing treatments and ultimately finding a cure.

Although the event has evolved over the years, it continues to have three main parts: a 5K for runners and walkers (which starts at 8:30 a.m.), a kids color run (10 a.m.) and a Family Fun Day (9 a.m.-noon).

“We really make an effort to make it a family event, so it is

not just a 5K race,” race director Stephanie Whelan said.

Family Fun Day festivities include food, a silent auction, a bouncy house and a dunk tank. There will be live music by Hot Acoustics. Four other former Red Sox players — Tim Wakefield, Mike Myers, Manny Delcarmen and Lenny DiNardo — are slated to be in attendance and sign autographs.

The Family Fun Day events take place behind Hopkinton Middle School. Part of the field is sectioned off and filled with signs acknowledging individuals affected by ALS. The dedicated space is known as the face of ALS.

“It is really moving just to be able to associate this horrific disease with people that have been impacted by it,” Whelan said. “A lot of people will spend time just walking through that area reading about these people.”

Although the Family Fun Day is free, the event welcomes donations, and all proceeds benefit ALS research, Whelan said. Many participants in the 5K also have their own fundraiser for ALS research.

“Anybody can sign up to be a fundraiser, and we have many of the same people that come back year after year,” Whelan said.

One of the biggest fundraising teams is Team Andy, named for an ALS patient who is a childhood friend of some runners. He attends the event, and friends wear team T-shirts and raise money for ALS research to support him.

Added Whelan: “As you get to know more about the disease, you meet people who have been affected by it, whether they have been diagnosed with it, or have had family members or friends diagnosed with it. It is hard not to want to support it. It is just a really devastating disease.”

Individuals can register for the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K in-person and virtual races online at sharontimlinrace. org or in person on the morning of the race. Anyone interested in volunteering also can sign up online.

For participants, there is plenty of parking at the high school and middle school complex, and there will be overflow parking at EMC Park. Attendees are encouraged to carpool and arrive early.

Residents should be aware that the section of Hayden Rowe Street from Grove Street to Chestnut Street will be closed for about 30 minutes beginning at 8:25 a.m. for the 5K.

Members of Team Andy pose for a photo at last year’s Timlin Event with former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield (in black hat) and former race director Abbie Rosenberg (far right).

Ryan Strasser, PA-C

Debra Litke, NP

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

IN MEMORIAM

Hopkinton Wellness/Card & Gift store to close

Store closing | from page 1

I enjoyed doing my work, and I enjoyed trying to be helpful. That was always part of my family’s scheme, and hopefully that was achieved.

— Dennis Katz Owner

already has been a lot of interest — “a big rush in the beginning, that will dwindle out, we’ll see where the chips fall.”

Anthony shared that there is no set closing date planned for now. While the businesses are “winding down,” they will remain open indefinitely.

Katz said the building — which initially was much smaller than the current facility — originally was divided into three small businesses. Katz’s parents opened the pharmacy in 1954 in one section that they rented, with a five-and-dime and a barber shop in the others.

Katz grew up in town — in a threefamily home located where the now-closed Santander Bank building is located at 66 Main Street. He took over as president of Hopkinton Drug from his father in 1980.

Through the years, the building was expanded and, while Hopkinton Drug was a constant, various businesses came and went in the other part of the building, including restaurants and a store that sold video cassette players.

Eventually, Hopkinton Card & Gift took over the entire upstairs section. The Hopkinton Drug pharmacy business, meanwhile, was sold last year to Texasbased PD Labs, although Katz started a new business that focuses on formulary research — and he plans to continue that work. He also hopes to do some traveling.

“It’s been a pleasure serving and being a member of the community,” Katz said. “I enjoyed doing my work, and I enjoyed trying to be helpful. That was always part of my family’s scheme, and hopefully that was achieved.”

Hopkinton Wellness and Hopkinton Card & Gift will close after a long run in the center of town.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Veteran Mike Shepard leads a salute at Mount Auburn Cemetery during the town’s Memorial Day ceremonies on May 29.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

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Runners take off at the start of the Dick Hoyt Memorial Yes You Can Run Together Road Race on May 27. The race was held five days after the death of Rick Hoyt and included a tribute to both men, who comprised the father-son team that inspired millions around the world.

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

Schedule update

The library will be closed on Saturday, June 17, and Monday, June 19, for Juneteenth.

Author Talk: Jamie Beck

Thursday, June 15, 2-3 p.m.

In this virtual program, awardwinning photographer Jamie Beck will discuss her book “An American in Provence.”

SAT Study, Practice and Strategy Session

Friday, June 16, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

For those looking for help preparing for the SAT, this peer-led, drop-in study session can help individuals achieve their best score.

Printmaking: Ladybugs

Tuesday, June 20, 6-7 p.m.

Attendees will learn basic printmaking by cutting vinyl tiles with librarian and artist Danielle Cook.

Start of Summer Reading Program

Wednesday, June 21

The Summer Reading Program begins June 21 and runs through Aug. 19. All ages are welcome to participate. Individuals can register and participate online.

50-plus Job Seekers Networking Group

Wednesday, June 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, 6-8 p.m.

These are the last two sessions of the 50-plus Job Seekers Networking Group, which meets via Zoom.

Chat ’n’ Chew Book Group

Wednesday, June 21, 12:30-2 p.m.

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

Friends Book Sale

Friday-Saturday, June 23-24, 10 a.m.4 p.m.

The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library Book Sale features greatcondition fiction, nonfiction, young adult and children’s books.

Open Video Game Play by One Up Games (Ages 8+)

Tuesday, June 27, 1-4 p.m.

One Up Games will bring a variety of next-gen consoles and gaming monitors to the library for free open game play. It will include all the popular games along with a mixture of classic and retro games.

Learn to Play Dungeons & Dragons

Wednesday, June 28, 6-8 p.m.

The experts from Pete’s Nerd Emporium will teach two series of three sessions this summer. No experience is needed. Individuals are asked to commit to all three of the evenings in a given series. These sessions are intended for tweens and teens 10 years old through high school. Registration is available on the library’s website calendar.

Author Talk: Nancy Horan

Wednesday, June 28, 7-8 p.m.

In this virtual program, author Nancy Horan will be featured in conversation with Therese Fowler.

Author Talk: Tananarive Due

Wednesday, June 28, 8-9 p.m.

In this virtual program, Tananarive Due will discuss “Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda,” for which she was a contributing author.

LIBRARY CORNER

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Concierge Physical Therapy opens new location in Hopkinton

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

Hopkinton residents have a new option for resolving pain and mobility issues with the opening of Concierge Physical Therapy at 22 South Street. The physical therapy clinic debuted its third location on May 1, adding to its two clinics in Sutton and Shrewsbury.

Unlike some states, Massachusetts has direct access to physical therapy; this means that potential patients do not have to see a doctor before receiving physical therapy services. “Most people think there are a lot of hoops to jump through, but you just have to pick up the phone and call us,” says Dr. Sean Lordan, the owner of Concierge Physical Therapy. “Physical therapists are the primary care providers for musculoskeletal medicine. For the most common issues, like lower back pain, your regular doctor is likely going to refer you to us anyway, so you’re better off going straight to physical therapy.”

Adds Lordan: “We want our services to be accessible, so we also accept most health insurance plans. My goal and mission is to help as many people as possible.”

The physical therapists at Concierge use manual therapy, targeted exercises, stretching, dry needling, shockwave therapy and other proven techniques to bring relief to patients of all ages. The clinic’s emphasis on manual therapy is one of the things that makes it unique, Lordan says. “We really believe in it. We’re not the clinic that you go into and nobody touches you, and they just talk to you and give you a home exercise program and say, ‘See you later,’ ” he explains. “We’re the clinic where you get hands-on care that changes your tissue so you get better.”

Shockwave therapy is another service that makes the clinic stand out. “Shockwave is unique in that it is really helpful for chronic pain, tendinopathy, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, ankle pain

When I see somebody six months later, and they’re like, ‘Hey, you fixed my low back pain, and because of you, my life is better’ — that’s a pretty cool feeling.

and elbow pain,” Lordan says. “It’s a newer technique in the physical therapy world, even though the technology itself has been around for 20 years.” Shockwave therapy also can be helpful prior to receiving a cortisone shot as it helps stimulate the healing process, he says.

In addition to its specialized techniques, Lordan says Concierge focuses on building relationships. “The connection and trust piece is so important,” he says, “because we want to be able to guide people throughout their whole lives as different aches and pains arise.”

When Lordan interviews prospective therapists for his clinics, he always asks how many return patients they have. “It’s important, because that means they’re delivering value,” he says. “They’re making lives better.”

Knowing that his team is helping people is what gets Lordan out of bed each day. “I’ve worked with professional athletes and Olympic athletes, but what really makes me tick is when I fix people,” he says. “When I see somebody six months later, and they’re like, ‘Hey, you fixed my low back pain, and because of you, my life is better’ — that’s a pretty cool feeling.”

To learn more, visit conciergephysicaltherapy.com or call 978-517-4500.

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

Concierge Physical Therapy owner Sean Lordan (center) stands with Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce representatives Bryan Brown (left) and Brooks Farrar during a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 2.

— Dr. Sean Lordan, Concierge PT owner

New principals chosen for Hopkins, Elmwood

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

At the June 5 School Committee meeting, Superintendent

Carol Cavanaugh announced several new hires in leadership positions.

Matt Cotter, currently assistant principal at Hopkins School, becomes principal there.

David Brauninger, currently an elementary school principal in Canton, takes on that position at Elmwood School.

Abigail Hanscom, the incoming director of student services, comes from that position in Westwood.

Ricardo “Ricky” Andrade, currently assistant athletic director in Needham, will become athletic director.

Cavanaugh said the district needs a new assistant principal at Hopkins School and will be working on filling that position.

“I am really proud of the hiring that we’ve done,” Cavanaugh said. “It feels like we’ve put people in there who are very highly qualified and eager to work here in Hopkinton.”

Mentoring positions approved

The School Committee approved a request for two stipends of $2,000 each to fund the positions of elementary mentoring coordinator and secondary mentoring coordinator.

Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey LaBroad, who made the request, said the teacher leader positions would work with his office to design, implement and support the work done to assist educators who are new to the teaching profession and/or new to Hopkinton.

The work would include overseeing new educator orientation, regular induction workshops and ongoing peer mentoring.

Funding for the positions would be from the Title IIA grant. If the position is maintained beyond fiscal year 2024, the stipends would be moved into the collective bargaining agreement with the Hopkinton Teachers Association.

“We know from research the induction you provide educators either new to the district or new to the work in the first one to three years can make or break their experience,” LaBroad said.

He noted that regionally and nationally, the teaching profession is experiencing a decline.

“We need to make sure we take care of those who will take that challenge,” LaBroad said.

He clarified that although the coordinators technically also could be mentors, their role is more to guide and lead the educators who are assisting the newcomers.

School Committee member Adam Munroe said research in his profession — nursing — shows the benefits of this type of support to attract and retain people to the field.

“It’s an investment in the future and that retention rate,” he said.

Superintendent Cavanaugh said there would be about 30 people starting as educators or moving to teach in the Hopkinton district this upcoming school year.

School Committee Chair Nancy Cavanaugh clarified that these individuals are not new hires, but rather replacements for people who have retired or left the district for other reasons.

Math summer enrichment stipends addressed

The School Committee approved LaBroad’s request for stipends of $500 each to fund Elementary Summer Math Enrichment educators. He explained the positions would oversee administration of a five-week virtual math enrichment program available to all students entering Grades 1-6.

The educators would report to the director of elementary mathematics and be responsible for program content design, student feedback and family communication.

The $500 stipend would be provided per grade level, with the preferred model being clustering into two groups: rising Grades 1-4 and rising Grades 5-6, LaBroad said.

About 600 students signed up for past sessions, he said.

The funding would be provided through a Title IV grant and moved into the HTA collective bargaining agreement if the stipends are maintained beyond FY24.

Chromebook lease OK’d

Other actions taken by the School Committee included approval of a lease with American Capital to provide students in Grades 2-8 with Chromebooks. Director of Finance Susan Rothermich said 1,100 units would be leased at a cost of $164,500 in the first year and $176,683 in the second and third years.

The items will be paid for within the district’s technology budget.

She explained that at the end of the lease, the district keeps 150 Chromebooks, and the rest must be returned.

Meeting schedule discussed

The committee spent additional time working out upcoming regular meeting dates as well as “listening sessions” for the public to ask questions and provide feedback about the proposed Elmwood School replacement.

The next meeting is on June 15, followed by July 6 and July 27, then Aug. 3 and a half-day workshop on Aug. 24. Thereafter, the committee generally keeps to a schedule of the first and third Thursday of the month with additional sessions added when necessary and during budget season.

Committee members also would like to meet with groups of people like senior citizens and parents of young children to talk about the Elmwood School replacement project. They agreed to hold online Zoom sessions on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. to reach residents who need more information or have concerns. Dates will be announced soon.

Proposed new school’s cost questioned at ESBC forum

By Susan Gonsalves

Contributing Writer

During a two-hour Zoom public forum June 7, most questions asked of the Elementary School Building Committee concerned the cost and tax impact of a new Elmwood School on Hayden Rowe Street.

Other questions referred to traffic, educational and design decisions to date, and future growth. The first portion of the session featured speakers representing architect Perkins Eastman, project owners Vertex, the school district and traffic consultant VHB.

Chris Eberly, Vertex’s project manager, talked about the process to date and the impact of inflation, saying 2021 to 2023 experienced the largest sustained construction inflation in 40 years.

He said all Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) projects have the same space template that sets room size standards, but projects are customized to fit the educational plan, enrollment and factors like number of lunch shifts and recesses, class sizes, etc.

Fitzpatrick wins writing awards

Superintendent describes features

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh outlined aspects of the proposed school, such as 54 classrooms (18 per grade level); three science/technology/engineering health rooms; six English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) areas; two art, two music and four gym classes simultaneously; a cafeteria for three lunch shifts; breakout spaces; a media center split onto two floors; and room to meet standards for nursing, custodial and kitchen needs.

The superintendent said the project has been described as a “Taj Mahal,” but “there is nothing superfluous there.” She stressed the need to accommodate future enrollment growth.

Robert Bell, Perkins Eastman’s educational programmer/ principal, described how a mixture of building materials are used to make the exterior of a three-story building less intimidating. He showed the interior floor plan featuring three “neighborhood style” wings, the media center as the “hub” of the building, and common spaces like the gym and cafeteria up front.

Heather Jauregui, Perkins Eastman’s director of sustainability, spoke about Hopkinton Town Meeting making a “net zero” resolution; the decision for a ground source heat pump HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning) system; and measures that can be taken with windows to “balance daylight and minimize glare” with energy and cost considerations in mind.

ESBC chair Jon Graziano said the designers are “constantly working on efficiencies,” and they have taken steps to reduce costs.

Consequences of rejection discussed

Another question concerned what would happen if Town Meeting rejected the proposal in the fall.

Jeff D’Amico, project director from Vertex, stated, “It would stop.” An exit survey would be done, and Hopkinton would go back to the end of the line with the MSBA. It would take several years to reapply, he added.

She said enrollment projections already have surpassed what MSBA and demographers predicted.

Resident: Taxpayer should be front and center

Resident Michael Manning, who serves on the Appropriations Committee, said he appreciates the effort to date but is “blown away” by the impact the project could have on residents’ tax bills.

He said the goal is to replace Elmwood School, but some could see it as “Barbie’s Dreamhouse.” Manning said he does not see the tax impact as a high enough priority when the taxpayer should be “front and center.”

D’Amico said the actual budget figures are “moving targets,” and more will be known closer to the fall when analyses are done. He noted that if Town Meeting votes favorably (on what amounts to 30% of the work), the project still must go through “multiple iterations” and seek approval from the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and others.

Editor’s note: For a longer version of this story, as well as coverage of the June 5 ESBC meeting, check HopkintonIndependent.com.

HOPKINTON HOME IMPROVEMENT

Hopkinton High School senior Owen Fitzpatrick was named a winner of the annual Cancer Unwrapped Teen Writing Contest. Fitzpatrick was one of 20 writers chosen from 1,112 entrants to receive a $1,000 prize.

Cavanaugh noted Hopkinton first submitted a request to MSBA in 2007, and it took until 2021 before the district was “invited in” the pipeline for the project’s reimbursement.

SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK

The event was sponsored by Cancer Pathways, a Washingtonbased nonprofit that provides education, resources and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Fitzpatrick’s essay was about his mother’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent struggles, and how it affected him and his family.

Fitzpatrick also won first place in the MetroWest Bar Association Law Day Essay Competition, with fellow HHS student Emily Jiang taking second.

HALT announces scholarship winners

Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) announced the winners of its $1,000 scholarship for 2023. Bharat Mekala is planning to study electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley and is interested in improving batteries and renewable energy, among other things. Margaret Joyce will be studying environmental engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in order to determine best how to implement sustainability and to help species adapt to climate change.

Noting that if the cost of the school was $170 million (an estimate that has been cited but not finalized), Cavanaugh said 25% reimbursement from MSBA of $42.5 million would be lost.

She said the district has maxed out space in the existing school, and using current numbers for Grades 2-3, an additional six classrooms would be needed for 140 students.

If Town Meeting votes down the request, Cavanaugh said options would be to increase class sizes to 25-27 kids; use trailers; house classes in the gym; increase to four or five lunch shifts with fewer meal options to move lines faster; obtain more buses at $75,000 each; move large gym classes outdoors or into general education rooms; and face a lack of space for special education and ESOL programs, among other things.

RAD program ‘empowering’ for HHS students

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School student

Amisi Anjeh said she watched herself transform from “the timid girl who can’t speak up and over-apologizes” last year to a graduating senior “who knows the power of the word ‘no.’ ”

Anjeh attributes that personal growth to her participation in the Rape Aggression Defense system (RAD) program, an elective wellness course offered for HHS junior and senior girls.

HHS wellness teacher Diane Maillet noted the semester-long course has been offered since 2011 with a break during COVID. When the class resumed in 2021-22, enrollment reached a high of 163 students. This most recent school year had 94 participants.

In addition to teaching self-defense techniques, RAD builds the young women’s self-awareness and gives them permission to stand up for themselves, according to Heather Stone, a lawyer who is a trained and certified instructor.

“RAD is technique-based and not strength-based,” Stone said. “Women have been taught their whole lives to be quiet and not make a scene, that they are weaker. … This [program] shows them they are not and is super empowering for them.”

Participants recognize the benefits beyond the physical self-defense aspects.

Junior Presley Schuler said the biggest takeaway she got from RAD is more confidence.

“As I am out in the world, it’s a great feeling to know I can protect and defend myself if anything ever happened.”

Added Anjeh, “Predators tend to prey on people they deem vulnerable, and by showing confidence, real or fake,

potential attackers know that you are not someone to be messed with.”

Stone said RAD typically is offered at college campuses, a time when women often have moved away from their support systems. She says Hopkinton has been a “pioneer” by offering it to older high school girls, which she finds is a perfect age group to learn these skills.

Noting that statistics indicate one in three women will be physically attacked in their lifetime, Stone described the culmination of the course, a half-day simulation event held in April.

Police personnel from neighboring departments act as “aggressors,” simulating different types of attacks, allowing students to use the mental and physical techniques they learned in class to react and escape the scenarios.

Stone explained there are a dozen scenarios that can be chosen for the simulation; at Hopkinton, these included

a walk-by attack, one standing at an ATM and an abduction from behind.

On standby for the students are counselors, a therapy dog, a wellness instructor and a group of classmates to watch and encourage them. In addition, each participant has a control monitor to provide reminders and help if the participant is struggling with what to do.

At the conclusion, the students sit in a circle to talk about the experience and share pizza. Stone noted that some young women already have been subjected to sexual violence in “real life.”

Steps are taken so that it is not a triggering experience, because adults usually do not know about these past attacks.

However, Stone said during her many years of training young women, they all have wanted to finish the simulation, no matter the circumstances.

Following the event, studies have shown students often cannot remember what they did, so they are shown video, which is reviewed with instructors.

Junior Emily Mailloux said she found the simulation stressful and “a little scary. … I don’t usually like fights, and having to unlock that part of myself was challenging.”

Ultimately, it was rewarding for her because she was able to protect herself and gain the knowledge that “no man has any right to touch me in a way I don’t want, and I can fend for myself.”

Even for individuals who aren’t the fighting type, she said, “It’s still very important to know what to do in those types of situations.”

Junior Karen Tang described the feeling she got from the simulation as “pure joy.”

“I didn’t realize how strong and tough I was before the simulation,” she said. “I gained confidence and felt proud of myself as well as my classmates.”

Tang noted RAD taught her to set boundaries and say ‘no’ to people trying to invade her personal space and privacy. She highly recommends the program to other students, adding, “Definitely don’t be afraid, but you have to say ‘no’ sometimes and really step outside that comfort zone. Be prepared.”

Senior Megan Abbott also feels the course is worthwhile for her peers to experience.

“Unfortunately, there are people in the world who will try to do things you aren’t comfortable with,” Abbott said. “It’s not an overly difficult class. It’s just learning the moves and getting that repetition in that will make you unstoppable.”

Maillet said feedback from students, whether on simulation day through thank you cards and conversations or from former students returning from college, reminds her about RAD’s importance.

“RAD impacts these students at different levels and also at different times,” she said. “I have students who start the semester with me and have clearly already had a negative experience, and I also have students who are fearful at the idea of standing up and protecting themselves,” she said.

“To see them become empowered and succeed at simulation is the best kind of feedback that I could ever receive.”

Maillet said she also hears positive feedback from parents, who wished they had the opportunity to take the class when they were in high school.

Stone explained that there are RAD programs for other populations, each having different components.

Men, she said, are likely to break down during training because they are not usually accustomed to feeling so helpless.

RAD for pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 places more emphasis on personal empowerment, learning about personal boundaries and making good decisions in general.

And there is a RAD program for senior citizens that caters to that population’s needs.

No matter the population, Stone believes showing people what they can do outweighs just telling them.

Looking through thank you notes, Stone recalled a few from students who are gender questioning or transgender. “They write it is the first time they’ve felt safe or empowered, which I find just amazing,” she said.

HHS wellness teacher Diane Maillet helped bring a RAD program to Hopkinton High School.

HHS boys tennis goes on postseason run

TheHopkinton High School boys tennis team made a run to the Division 2 state semifinals, knocking off fourth-seeded Hingham, 3-2, on June 8. The fifth-seeded Hillers were to play the winner of Duxbury vs. Belmont in the final four.

In the Round of 16 on June 6, the host Hillers edged 21stseeded Nashoba, 3-2. At first singles, Lex Kaye rebounded from a first-set loss to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-0. Adam Glace fell at second singles, and Pranav Kapur lost a tight, three-set match at third singles, with the final set ending 5-7.

Members of the HHS boys tennis team show off their trophy after reaching the Division 2 state tournament’s final four.

June 3. Rachel Bouvier and Jaymie Arena scored two goals apiece for the Hillers (7-13).

In the preliminary round on June 1, HHS topped visiting Quincy, 13-8. Arena scored her 100th career goal in that game. …

At first doubles, the team of Roberto Rossi and Rishit Shekhar swept to a win, only losing one game. At second doubles, Ilian Glace and Andrew Palacios also won in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

In its tournament opener on June 3, Hopkinton knocked off Longmeadow, 4-1. The match started at the HHS outdoor courts but was moved inside to the Wayside Athletic Club in Marlborough due to wet conditions. Glace and Kapur won their matches, as did both doubles teams.

Hillers girls tennis bows

HHS girls tennis saw its season come to a close with a 5-0 loss at third-seeded Westborough on June 5 in the Division 2 Round of 16. The Hillers, who were seeded 19th, ended their season with a record of 13-6.

In its tournament opener on May 30, HHS knocked off 14th-seeded Ludlow, 3-2. The Hillers picked up wins in straight sets at first singles (Maya Chen) and both doubles pairings ( Evanya Mathur/Aarushi Kamra and Caitlin Mangan/Avery Michaud).

HHS baseball upset early

The HHS baseball team fell into an early hole and could not come back, dropping an 8-4 decision to visiting Marblehead in the Division 2 state tournament on June 5.

Marblehead, the 29th seed, scored once in the first and four times in the second for a 5-0 lead. Hopkinton fought back with one in the third as Nick Pedroli singled and eventually scored on a wild pitch, and one in the fourth as Charlie Simulis singled and pinch-runner Jack Interrante later scored on a bases-loaded walk to Will Morgan

However, Marblehead bounced back with three runs in the top of the fourth inning to extend its lead to 8-2. Hopkinton scored single runs in the fourth (Mitch Simulis singled and scored on a fly ball by Dylan Ruff) and fifth (Joe Carrazza reached on a wild pitch and scored on another wild pitch), but left eight runners on base on the day.

Hopkinton, seeded fourth, ended its season with a record of 14-7.

Hillers lax teams fall

The Hillers boys lacrosse team dropped a 17-5 decision to fourth-seeded Longmeadow on June 5 in the Division 2 Round of 32. Hopkinton, the 29th seed, capped its season at 10-8.

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PHOTO/HHS ATHLETICS

Banner season for Golembiewski, HHS boys track

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School

boys track and field coach Brian Prescott got a sense of just how good his team was this spring when he talked to the coach at North Andover following the state relay meet. The seniors at North Andover had never lost a meet in four years, capturing state titles and state relay titles — until they ran into the Hillers this spring.

“In the moment, winning the state relay meet was really cool and exciting,” Prescott said. “But stepping back, it feels like an even bigger accomplishment in the context of the past four years.”

Prescott did not mince words when describing Hopkinton’s success this year.

Members of the HHS boys track team pose for a photo after finishing second at the state Division

“I think, without question, this was the best performance the Hopkinton boys team has ever had in its history,” he said.

In addition to unseating North Andover in the state relays, the Hillers finished second to North Andover in the Division 2 state meet late last month.

“The goal was to be here, but I didn’t know if we would be able to do it because D2 has some of the best track and field teams in the state,” Prescott said. “To be in that top mix was definitely the goal, but we didn’t know what

it was going to look like. Overall, I was really happy with how they performed, and winning the state relay meet was far beyond our expectations.”

Unsurprisingly for a championshipcaliber team, Hopkinton did not rely on one or two athletes but instead had a large group of consistent point scorers throughout the season. Senior Sean Golembiewski led the way, winning the 110-meter hurdles and the 400 hurdles at the state meet (a feat he repeated at the Meet of Champions a week later).

Will Bialobrzeski, a junior, also qualified for the Meet of Champions

by scoring in both hurdle events and the javelin. Will’s twin brother, Drew, was another consistent point scorer.

In the throwing events, Kavin Prasanna was a huge point scorer in the discus and the shot put. Junior Russell Perryman won every javelin event up until the state meet. Senior Craig Salois stood out in the distance events and chipped in on the 4x400 relay as well, while Declan Mick and Andrew Budden, two more seniors, were all-around multi-event athletes.

Hopkinton also enjoyed significant contributions from Leo Shinmura in

the long jump and triple jump, Tommy Engel-Chatten in the high jump, and Seamus Murphy in the 100 meters, 4x100 relay and high jump. Golembiewski teamed up with Ruben Noroian, Sam Dadagian and Matt Zettek in the 4x400, and Paul Litscher and Luke Boothroyd also contributed significantly to the cause.

“We have only been in D2 for a couple of years, so to win the relay meet and finish second in D2 is a testament to the kids and all of the coaches,” Prescott said, summing up the season. “This was a really, really great year.”

2 meet.

Hopkinton duo leads club team to soccer nationals

By Chris Villani

Contributing Writer

Apair of Hopkinton High School soccer standouts will be showcasing their skills on the national stage this month, as Georgie Clarke and Nina Tzouganatous join the rest of their FC Stars 06 club team at the Champions League tournament in San Diego.

FC Stars posted a 19-1-3 record through the spring and captured the New England region of the Elite Clubs National League, earning a spot in San Diego, where play will kick off on June 24.

“I am so excited, I can’t wait,” Clarke said. “It’s been a month since our last showcase in New Jersey, so we will have over a month to prepare, and I feel like our coaches are going to prepare us well for this.”

Clarke, a junior who has committed to Boston College, is a striker for FC Stars and one of the team’s offensive threats. Tzouganatous plays outside back, and she said the seeds for a strong season were sewn over the winter.

“We started training during the winter, and those practices were pretty intense,” Tzouganatous said. “It was more intense than we had trained before. We started with two strong wins and started our season on a high note, and the harder we worked, the more we built our confidence.”

Tzouganatous is a sophomore and is in the process of figuring out where she wants to play at the next level. She said sharing this experience with Clarke

has made it even sweeter.

“I love my high school teammates, and it’s so fun that I get to play with Georgie on my club team,” she said.

“It brings us closer, and it also helps us throughout the high school season.”

Clarke described having Tzouganatous on the same club team as “the best thing ever.”

The San Diego tournament will feature dozens of the top club teams from across the nation. FC Stars is guaranteed three games in pool play and will have the opportunity to advance if the team does well in those games. Both players

said they also hoped to spend some time exploring San Diego, including taking in a pro soccer game and checking out the city’s world-famous zoo.

In addition to being a place for great competition, the tournament also affords players the opportunity to play in front of hundreds of college coaches. Clarke said a recent event in New Jersey, during which FC Stars did not lose a game, saw more than 160 coaches check out the team’s three contests.

Clarke praised both the FC Stars coaching staff and her personal trainer, AJ Thomas, for getting her ready for the

biggest tournament of the year, and she is looking forward to the competition and to the chance for the younger players on her team to get a ton of exposure.

“I am excited for the experience of playing top teams and the adrenaline of the games,” Clarke said. “We will be trying our best to move on and get to the highest level we can.”

Tzouganatous said that the Stars are feeling good heading into the event.

“I think our team is pretty confident, but we are trying not to be overconfident,” she said. “We just want to work hard and do our best.”

The New England champion FC Stars 06 club team includes two Hopkinton High School players, Georgie Clarke (front row, third from left) and Nina Tzouganatous (front row, far left).

By Linda Chuss Contributing Writer

Hopkinton residents Elizabeth and Mauricio Bremermann were thrilled to be able to open a Mexican restaurant, Orale, in their hometown. They had been looking for a good opportunity for years and were able to leverage Elizabeth’s prior experience in the field. Mauricio runs a construction business and wanted to do something more.

The restaurant offers in-house dining and takeout, plus delivery through standard services. It serves authentic Mexican fare people are familiar with, like tacos, enchiladas and flautas with beef, chicken or pork, plus beans and cheese as vegetarian options. “Burritos are the most popular, along with the fajitas,” Elizabeth said. “What people most appreciate is how fresh our food is. It might take a little longer to prepare because of that, but it’s worth it.” Patrons at the counter can see vegetables being sliced and cooked for their orders.

“We start the day very early buying the food and end it very late cleaning up,” Mauricio said. “There’s no rest in between. It’s surprising how much work there is. We could save time by making food in advance, but it wouldn’t taste as good.”

Orale is a bright and inviting space, with warm red walls, decorative plants, colorful paintings and fixtures that give it an overall contemporary look. “An artist we know in Mexico made the paintings for the restaurant,” Elizabeth said. “The wood for the tabletops came from Franklin, and we finished them ourselves.” The couple painted the walls, applied the wainscoting and did much more to complete the interior decoration, with Mauricio’s construction skills and Elizabeth’s keen eye for design put to good use.

An attractive bar in the back is ready for serving bever-

Mauricio and Elizabeth Bremermann stand in front of an original painting from Mexico at Orale, their new restaurant in downtown Hopkinton.

ages. “We’re expecting to receive our liquor license any day now and have an experienced alcohol server trainer lined up,” Mauricio explained. “Some guests have told us they look forward to relaxing here with a margarita over dinner.”

For times when dining in isn’t convenient, takeout orders can be placed online and picked up or delivered via DoorDash and Uber Eats. Elizabeth shared, “We have been getting a lot of orders for delivery.” It is likely that when alcoholic beverages are available and construction work on Main Street is completed, in-house dining will increase.

Around town, diners are speaking highly of Orale. Online, it has received top ratings and reviews. “Seriously the best Mexican food we have ever had,” wrote a Google reviewer called L.F., who is joined by dozens with similar compliments. Portion size and the atmosphere get enthusiastically positive comments, as does the service.

Staff at the restaurant includes family members, with Elizabeth providing direction. “We like being able to work in town and seeing people we know,” she said. “We are very appreciative of people from Hopkinton for coming to our restaurant and for all the good things they have to say about the location, the service and the food.”

Orale is located at 22 Main Street in Hopkinton. For hours, the menu and ordering information, visit oralemexrestaurant.com or call 508-603-2900.

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

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in Hopkinton

Sneha Bhupindersingh Tuli

71 Chamberlain Street $1,990,131 June 2 Toll Northeast V Corp

199 Saddle Hill Road $654,500 June 5 James Stefano, Kyriaki Stefano

39 Weston Lane $784,000 June 6 Trails LLC

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

Meghanadh Yerram, Anusha Pinninti

Sameer Tikoo, Mridula Tikoo

Praveen Verma, Saroj Verma

Steven Katz, Sheri Katz

Bring in more buyers – and more money – by maximizing your curb appeal

Planning on selling your home? Want to expand your buying pool, increase the sale amount and sell your home faster? Make sure you have “curb appeal”!

Curb appeal refers to the visual attractiveness of a dwelling and its property, and there are plenty of low-budget, simple things you can do to make yours look inviting.

the home tour; a bad one can lead a prospective buyer to wonder what other basic maintenance has been neglected inside and inspect the house with a more critical eye.

Anything you can do to lure buyers through your (hopefully freshly painted) front door is worth the effort; after all, the more people who stop, the more likely you’ll get an offer — or several, which could drive up the final sale price.

style. And don’t forget the lighting!

Google, Pinterest and YouTube all are great sources for ideas and inspiration. You also can check out the HGTV (hgtv.com) and Home Depot (homedepot.com) websites for videos and webcast workshops on curb appeal projects, lawn care and creating garden beds.

Investing in curb appeal makes a real financial difference. While impossible to truly quantify, it is estimated to

increase home value and sale price by anywhere from 3 percent to 15 percent.

To learn more about creating curb appeal, contact:

Kim Foemmel

Foemmel Fine Homes

1 Lumber Street, Suite 207C Hopkinton MA (508) 808-1149

Kim@FoemmelFineHomes.com

FoemmelFineHomes.com

Professional insights

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Why put money and time into something you plan to sell? Most listings hit the market between April and June — which means you’ll be competing with the maximum number of properties. A barren yard and bleak or nondescript entrance make your home passable and forgettable.

The first impression also sets the tone and expectations for the rest of

Start with the basics: power wash the exterior; manicure the hedges; update door hardware and house numbers; hide the eyesores, such as garbage cans, recycle bins and dry-rotted garden hoses. Tend the footpaths and groom the landscape. Paint the front door. (If you’re painting, it’s best to stick with whites, grays or other neutrals to appeal to the most buyers.)

You want to create a welcoming environment that helps a buyer envision themselves enjoying their new abode. Flowers are always a nice way to brighten a front yard; you might also consider outdoor seating. Add a few bird houses, large rocks or other decorative elements that complement your home’s

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 7-year-old Badger.

Here is Baypath’s description of Badger:

“This handsome hunk wants you to know he’s available! Not only does he have stunning looks, but he has a wonderful personality, too. Badger is very sweet and loves to be pet. He enjoys going on walks with his people, or just chilling next to you. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, he’ll even sing you a song!

“At 7 years old, Badger is ready for a home to let him kick back and relax. He asks for a home with teenagers or older (a bit more quiet) and may be open to a canine sibling (as long as they’re nice and laid-back like him).

“He’d also like it if his next owners ensure to maintain his luscious beautiful coat of fur. Especially with the hot weather approaching.”

For more information on Badger 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.

Kim Foemmel

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.

Angela Tamba

Angela R. Tamba, 76, of Hopkinton passed away on May 25 at Mass General Hospital in Boston. Born in the Philippines, she was the daughter of the late Felisa (Bacomo) and Lucio Rodriguez. She was the wife of 39 years to the late Felix Tamba Jr.

Angela worked as a public health nurse in Cuyo Palawan, Philippines, where she was the go-to person in the community when people weren’t feeling well. She loved her work. She was an avid reader and especially took pleasure in gardening and caring for her orchids.

Angela is survived by her son, Ranulf Tamba, and his wife, Myra, of Hopkinton; two grandchildren, Journey Domanique and Nevaeh Sky; siblings Neil, Joe and Berting Rodriguez; and many nieces and nephews. She joined her deceased siblings Rodrigo, Pa’yang and Cading.

A private service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (danafarber.org), or American Heart Association (heart.org). Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Alfred Bonazzoli

Alfred “Fred” Francis Bonazzoli Jr., 95, passed away peacefully at his Hopkinton home on May 26. He was born June 15, 1927, in Sudbury to Alfred F. Bonazzoli Sr. and Ida (Menegola Bellisario). He was the husband of the late Carol (Millar) Bonazzoli, who passed away in February.

Fred’s early education was at the oneroom Redstone School in Sudbury, set up by Henry Ford. Dad remembers Mr. Ford visiting one day. Dad bragged that he was near the top of his high school class. That class was made up of 13 students. Weeks after graduating in 1944, at age 17, he signed up with the Navy during World War II. Fred served on the U.S.S. Cascade as a radioman in the Pacific. After the war, Fred attended and graduated from Clarkson University under the G.I. Bill. While still in school, he married Dorothy A. Donnelly of Framingham. The family moved in 1954 to Holliston, where they raised their four children. After college, Dad worked with his father’s company, The Bonazzoli Corp, in Framingham. He later became president of that firm.

Fred was active in the Framingham area with the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, The YMCA, MetroWest Hospital and Shawmut Bank, and was involved in many other organizations. He was a very charitable man but would never talk about that. Later in life, Fred was a lucky man when he met Carol Millar. They were soon an item and they were married for 31 years. Fred and Carol especially loved their beachfront

home on Captiva Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Both took up golf and made lots of friends who shared their sport. That Carol and Fred traveled the world would not be an overstatement. From Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, whether cruising the Yangtze or the Amazon rivers, they always had a great time on their adventures. Those were really happy times, and even though they loved seeing places and new things, they especially enjoyed the people they met and the friends they made.

Fred is survived by his children, Paul Bonazzoli (Patty), Karen Bonazzoli, Gail Haberski (Stanley) and Heather Warner (Nelson). He also leaves behind his stepchildren, Kristin Brigham, Karen Hutchinson (Alan), Kathy Reynolds (Paul) and Kim Winer (Will); his grandchildren, Kevin Haberski, Adam Haberski (Haley), Michelle Santos (Aldo), Melanie and Matthew Warner, Cameron and Evan Brigham, Megan Spomer (Kurt), Maggie and Alex Reynolds, Lindsay Hutchinson (Zach), Amanda Hutchinson (Matt), Julie Hutchinson and John and Becki Winer; his great-grandchildren, Samantha and Jessica Haberski, Korbin Spomer, Isla Heniff-Haberski and Cecelia Santos; and his sister, Rosalind Loxsom. Fred is predeceased by wife Dorothy (Donnelly) and their infant son, Phillip, and sisters Gloria Welzel and Lydia Summers.

Funeral services are being held privately, with burial in Mt. Wadsworth Cemetery in Sudbury. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Donations may be made to support. woundedwarriorproject.org or a charity of your choice.

Geraldine McCann

Geraldine Anne (Weicker) McCann, 88, of Hopkinton passed away May 26. She was the loving wife of the late John Joseph McCann Jr. Gerry was a longtime resident of North Attleboro. Born in Jamestown, Rhode Island, on June 26, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Paul Weicker and the late Josephine (O’Connor) Weicker.

A graduate of Brown University, Gerry earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts as an English major. During her working years, she was a teacher and later worked in the banking industry. Her children consider themselves fortunate that she also spent many years being a homemaker.

Gerry enjoyed traveling with her husband, “Bud,” spending time with her children and grandchildren, and sharing many special holidays with relatives and friends. She had a love for theatre and was an avid reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast.

Faith was an important part of Geraldine’s life. She was an active communicant at St. Mark’s Parish in North Attleboro. She also was a Eucharistic minister and lector at the church, enjoying sharing the word of the Lord with her fellow parishioners.

Left to mourn her loss are her sons, John J. (Jack) McCann III and wife Mary Ellen of Londonderry, New Hampshire; William J. (Bill) McCann and wife Jane of Collegeville, Pennsylvania; and Patrick V. McCann and wife Lara of Hopkinton; as well as her nine grandchildren, Megan,

James, Caitlyn, Christopher, Elizabeth, Tiana, Kayla, Sean and Ashley. She is predeceased by her daughter Elizabeth Anne McCann.

A visitation was held June 5 in the Memorial Chapel of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, North Attleboro, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Mark Church, North Attleboro. Graveside services followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Attleboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Northeast (New England), P.O. Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2470.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.

Edward Laws

Edward Michael Laws, 80, of Milford and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully on June 1. Born in South Boston, Edward was the son of the late Bernice (Wachack) and George Laws. He was the husband of 49 years to Linda (Ebersole) Laws of Milford.

Ed graduated from South Boston High School in South Boston in 1960 and attended Northeastern University. His career as a draftsman and lead designer included working at EG&G, Arthur D. Little, Cryogenics Technology, CTI Nuclear, Helix, Koch Process Systems and Process Systems International. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, woodworking, bird watching and playing cribbage, poker and pool with friends.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his sisters, Patricia Shea and Geraldine Arnold. He is predeceased by his brother, George Laws.

There will be no public viewing. A private service was to be held at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, with interment being held in Fairview Cemetery in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to your favorite charity or local animal shelter.

Judith McCommis

Judith Ann McCommis, 80, of Bellingham and a former longtime resident of Hopkinton, passed away at Milford Regional Hospital on June 2. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Esther (Hoey) and Phillip McRobert.

Judith was a longtime certified nursing assistant for the elderly, a job she truly enjoyed. She was an avid Red Sox fan and loved chocolate and politics. She enjoyed time spent at the beach with family and friends and cherished being a grandmother.

Judith is survived by her children, Billy McCommis, Jennifer Clifford and Mikey McCommis. She also leaves behind her siblings, Janet MacKay and Phillip McRobert and wife Donna; her sister-in-law, Mary McRobert; three grandchildren, Megan and Madison Clifford and Kristen LaPlante; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by siblings Bill McRobert and Gail Belmore.

A funeral was held June 9 at the

Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, followed by interment in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton.

Raymond Abbott

Raymond Ward Abbott, 93, of Northborough, formerly of Framingham, passed away peacefully June 3. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Ward and Alexandra (Abisamra) Abbott.

He grew up in Worcester, where he graduated from Classical High School. After high school, Raymond entered the United States Army and served as a military policeman during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1956, Raymond attended Northeastern University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Raymond was married to the late Mary (Ryan) for 55 years. They lived in Framingham, where they raised their two sons, Michael (Jodi) Abbott of Framingham and Raymond (Tanya) Abbott of Hopkinton.

Raymond worked for Raytheon, Digital and GTE, from which he retired after 19 years in 1995. In his career, Raymond worked on many government contracts, including the Doppler system and the MX and Patriot missiles. After retirement, Raymond continued to work part-time at Middlesex Petroleum for 20 years.

Raymond was a bridge master and spent many days playing the game he loved. He also enjoyed traveling the world with Mary and friends, as well as going to his grandchildren’s events.

In addition to his sons, Raymond is survived by his grandchildren, Madison and William Abbott of Hopkinton, his sister, Gladys Abbott of Worcester, granddog Sydney and many nieces and nephews. Raymond was predeceased by sister and brother-in-law Claire and Allan Ojerholm.

A funeral service was held June 13 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. Burial was to be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Robert Genoa

Robert Genoa, 86, died May 21 at his home in Upton. He was the husband of the late Theresa Genoa, to whom he was married for 53 years. Born in Milford, he was the son of the late Dominic and Hazel (Prue) Genoa.

Robert worked for many years as a high school teacher at Blackstone Valley Technical High School. He was proud of his six years in the Navy, where he served on the USS Saratoga.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Genoa of Worcester, his two siblings, Katherine Genoa of Uxbridge and William Genoa and wife Sara of Texas, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother James and sister-in-law Patricia.

The funeral was held May 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Parish. Burial with military honors followed in the parish cemetery.

CALENDAR

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.

Timlin Event at Hopkinton High School June 17

Registration is open for the 20th annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, which will be held at Hopkinton High School on June 17. The 5K road race and family fun day is a fundraiser for The Angel Fund for ALS Research. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the family fun day activities with live music, food, games, raffles, a silent auction and other activities — including a kids color run — until noon. For more information or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

MBCC Against the Tide at Hopkinton State Park June 17

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host its annual Against the Tide event on Saturday, June 17, at Hopkinton State Park. The event features multiple competitions and recreational activities, including a half-mile or 1-mile swim, a 5K or 10K run and a 3-mile fitness walk. There also will be a virtual component. Proceeds benefit MBCC’s work toward breast cancer prevention, locally and nationally. For more information and to register, visit mbcc.org/swim.

PJB Golf Tournament at Hopkinton Country Club June 19

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

War of 1812 presentation at Senior Center June 22

The Hopkinton Senior Center will host a presentation titled The War of 1812: Dolley Tells All! on Thursday, June 22, from 1-2 p.m. Janet Parnes, appearing as first lady Dolley Madison, whose husband President James Madison declared war with England, will share stories of mishaps, miscalculations and triumphs as well as the war’s influence on our nation’s growth. The performance is free and does not require registration. For more information, call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Greyhound Friends 40th Anniversary Gala June 24

Hopkinton-based Greyhound Friends is celebrating 40 years in dog adoption and advocacy with an anniversary gala on Saturday, June 24, from 4-7 p.m. in tents outside the facility at 167 Saddle Hill Road. The event will include dinner, music, special guests and a silent auction. Dogs should be left at home. For more information, visit greyhound.org.

Weekly Farmers Market Sundays at Town Common

The Hopkinton Farmers Market returns to the Town Common on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., starting June 11 and running through Oct. 15. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers again will receive a $10 incentive for a $10 purchase, and there will be Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits as well. For information, including a list of vendors, visit the Hopkinton Farmers Market Facebook page.

Fundraiser for Ukraine:

Concert with Slava Tolstoy Band

June 16 | 7 p.m.

Join Julia and Alex Potapov as they host Slava Tolstoy Band to fundraise on behalf of the non-profit organization Cash For Refugees. 100% of your ticket purchase will go to Ukrainian war relief efforts.

Cash for Refugees gives unexpected financial support to refugees to help them restore some sense of hope and agency. Founded by refugees, for refugees, they give cash directly to people displaced by the war in Ukraine. They focus on the most vulnerable: women with children, the elderly, and the disabled. They work with no bureaucracy and minimal overhead and have served over 15,000 families and 39,000 people. Ticket link on our website.

A Play, A Pint & A Pie One Act Festival

June 26–27 | 7 p.m.

Enter Stage Left Theater, the Resident Theater Company of HCA, is pleased to announce auditions for its third annual A Play, A Pint & A Pie, an evening of new one-act play shorts to be held on the evening of Saturday, August 26, 2023. This outdoor festival showcases seven plays selected from 112 submissions from

playwrights nationally and internationally, and has been the hottest ticket around for the last two summers running. Auditions are open to actors ages 16-65. Details on our webiste.

Barbara Corbett Summer Kick-Off

Concert with Hot Acoustics!

June 30 | 6:30 p.m.

HCA is so excited to welcome back our friends and local town favorite the Hot Acoustics for the Barbara Corbett Memorial Fund Summer Kick-off Concert. So, put on your dancing shoes, grab lawn chairs, a blanket, and a picnic basket, and join us in our outdoor amphitheater for a night of rockin’ good music! Thanks to the generosity of DELL Technologies, this concert is on a pay-what-you-can basis. It’s also Hopkinton Town Day—residents that attend the concert will receive a free gift! Hopkinton Town Day is sponsored by Phipps and MAPFRE Insurance. Details on our website.

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.

SENIOR SNIPPETS

Take It Outside

For those looking for an excuse to get outside or just a quiet space outside, the Senior Center is home to some beautiful outdoor areas. Individuals can grab a seat on the center’s beautiful patio or gather up a group of friends to use the bocce court, horseshoes, cornhole or outdoor chess table. Guests can stop in anytime during regular business hours to grab the needed equipment for the activity of choice.

Annual Senior Center Art Showcase

June 12-16

The public is invited to stop in and take a walk through the halls to check out some of the amazing artistic talent at the Senior Center. All week long there will be displays of some of the amazing pieces knitters, potters, quilters, loom weavers and others have created in the last year. Artwork will be displayed in the lobby and main hallway during normal business hours.

Librarian Visit

Wednesdays, June 21 and July 19, 10 a.m.-noon

Danielle Cook, Hopkinton’s Adult Services librarian, will be at the Senior Center to provide a variety of library services. Residents can learn about the talking books program, update or renew their library card, check out a book, get help with research or learn about library services available. Danielle also makes a stop at the Hopkinton Housing Authority (100 Davis Road) on the second Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m.-noon.

QPR

Wednesday, June 21, 1-2:30 p.m.

Question, persuade, refer. Clear. Concise. Efficient. Three steps anyone can learn to prevent suicide. This program is for anyone who has ever felt concerned for a loved one but didn’t know how to start the conversation. Whether someone is worried about suicide or just doesn’t know how to ask about someone’s emotional health, QPR gives individuals the skills to start a conversation. QPR is the most widely taught suicide prevention training in the world. Attendees will learn to recognize the warning signs, how to offer hope, and how to get help for someone in a crisis. Advance registration is requested.

AARP Driver Safety Course

Thursday, June 29, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Even the most experienced drivers can benefit from brushing up on their driving skills. This is the nation’s largest driver safety course designed specially for drivers 50 and older. Attendees will review current laws, defensive driving techniques and how to safely drive in today’s increasingly challenging driving environment. AARP membership is not mandatory, and no road tests are required to pass this course. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. There will be a break for lunch (which is not included in the cost).

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.

May

10:04 a.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on West Main Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Cody Normandin responded. The vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

1:31 p.m. A caller reported her dog was attacked by another dog on West Elm Street. The animal control officer was notified.

1:40 p.m. A Davis Road caller reported she placed her rent check out and someone stole it and cashed it. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and took a report of fraud.

3:08 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle accident on Church Street. No personal injuries were reported.

11:33 p.m. A caller reported she lost her brown, medium-sized dog on Ash Street. The animal control officer was notified.

May 24

3:14 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley checked on a vehicle on South Street with a license plate that did not correspond with its vehicle identification number. The information was logged.

6:53 a.m. Officer Sean McKeon responded along with the Fire Department to Greenwood Road for a smoke alarm activation. Burnt toast was determined to be the cause.

7:40 a.m. A caller reported a man causing a disturbance on construction property on Walnut Way. He refused to leave when asked. Officers Matthew LaTour and Sean McKeon responded. The individual was gone upon their arrival.

3:26 p.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on Hayden Rowe Street, and the vehicle headed toward Milford. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and notified the Milford Police Department.

4:13 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash on South Street with no personal injuries. Officers Matthew LaTour and Shannon Beloin responded and took a report.

5:00 p.m. A caller reported a road hazard on Wood Street, where a tree fell. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and moved it to the side of the road.

May 25

1:19 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley reported a suspicious male in his 20s or 30s skateboarding on East Main Street. The man stated it was a nice night out and was just riding.

1:28 p.m. A caller reported a disturbance on School Street including a verbal argument. The caller stated a chain was whipped at his daughter. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.

2:09 p.m. Officer Tyler Staback took a report of a motor vehicle accident on Wilson Street and issued a summons to the operator.

3:16 p.m. A caller reported someone took out a $400,000 credit line in his name. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted and took a report of fraud.

8:34 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle was locked inside the State Park on Cedar Street. Officer Shannon Beloin

responded and assisted with unlocking the gate.

9:35 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported stolen property. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report.

May 26

1:37 p.m. An Amherst Road resident reported an angry turkey outside her house. The animal control officer was out of town, so the caller was advised to seek someone close by to help.

1:47 p.m. A caller reported a minor motor vehicle accident involving a school bus on North Mill Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Sean McKeon responded and stood by with the bus until the tow truck arrived.

6:03 p.m. A caller in the State Park on Cedar Street reported a goose was wrapped in fishing line and unable to fly. Environmental representatives, the Ashland animal control officer and an animal shelter and rescue program all were unable to respond. Officer Robert Ekross responded to the State Park headquarters.

May 27

2:08 p.m. A walk-in reported she lost her gold link bracelet at the Hoyt road race and wanted the incident logged.

5:29 p.m. A walk-in reported a disabled motor vehicle in a hazardous spot on Main Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and assisted with a tire change, and the vehicle went on its way.

9:45 p.m. A motorist complained that a white SUV passed him at a high rate of speed on East Main Street and was headed toward Ashland. The Ashland Police Department was advised.

10:56 p.m. A Nicholas Road resident reported suspicious activity near her house, where she heard a single scream in the woods. Officers Brennan Grimley and Nicholas Daletnik responded and checked the area with a negative find.

May 28

6:40 a.m. Multiple callers reported a transformer explosion on Hayden Rowe Street. Officers Robert Ekross, Tyler Staback, Nicholas Walker and Brennan Grimley responded and notified Eversource.

1:59 p.m. A caller reported a disturbance on Cedar Street, where a man attempted to enter the State Park in order to get his daughter but was not let in. Officers Tyler Staback and Robert Ekross responded and restored the peace.

2:05 p.m. A caller from the State Park on Cedar Street reported a missing 13-year-old female, possibly in the water. Officer Robert Ekross responded. The girl was found prior to his arrival.

5:26 p.m. A caller at Sandy Beach on Lakeshore Drive complained of jet skis driving erratically while people were swimming. Officer Brennan Grimley responded and checked the area with a negative find.

8:57 p.m. A walk-in reported a disturbance at a gas station. A person yelled at her, claiming she was stalking her children. Officer Cody Normandin assisted and spoke with both parties.

May 29

10:11 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell on a wire on Spring Lane. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and reported it was a small branch and nothing hazardous.

2:51 p.m. A caller reported he was

bitten by a dog two days prior. Officer Cody Normandin contacted the animal control officer.

May 30 12:58 a.m. Officer Brennan Grimley checked on a vehicle on South Street with a vehicle identification number (VIN) that didn’t match the license plate. The VIN came back as stolen, and the Boston Police Department was contacted. The vehicle was towed.

8:34 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a school bus accident on Downey Street. No personal injuries were reported.

10:21 a.m. An Oakhurst Road caller requested to speak with the animal control officer about an injured goose.

1:34 p.m. A caller reported a dead gopher on Clinton Street. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and removed it.

6:00 p.m. A Chadwick Way resident reported someone was using his personal information to file for unemployment benefits. Officer Matthew LaTour assisted and took a report of fraud.

7:03 p.m. A Knoll Road caller complained of two kids on dirt bikes racing up and down the street and in the woods about an hour earlier. She wanted the incident logged. She was advised to call back if they returned.

10:23 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin came across a vehicle on Wood Street that had struck an owl. The owl was able to fly away after a while.

May 31

11:42 a.m. A caller reported a black dog locked inside a black Ford Mustang on West Main Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and located the owner, who moved his vehicle under a tree with shade.

11:56 a.m. A walk-in reported youths vandalizing a playground. Officer Tyler Staback took a report.

12:12 p.m. An East Street caller reported an ongoing issue with the Laborers Training Center staff regarding organic waste being blown onto his property. Officer Tyler Staback assisted and the caller was to contact the Laborers Training Center.

1:08 p.m. A motorist reported hitting a stump in the roadway of West Elm Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and requested a tow truck. He provided a courtesy transport to the driver.

4:33 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin took a crash report on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

10:54 p.m. The Upton Police Department requested assistance looking for an individual who had a verbal argument with his girlfriend and took off walking toward Hopkinton. Officer Nicholas Saletnik assisted, and the Upton Police Department subsequently located the individual and transported him home.

June 1

11:16 a.m. Officers Cody Normandin and Tyler Staback responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

1:14 p.m. A Davis Road resident reported a dispute over a parking spot between her neighbor and a friend. Officers Matthew Santoro and Cody Normandin responded and reported a verbal argument. The parties were separated and moved along.

2:05 p.m. A Stewart Street caller requested help with moving a deceased dog into her vehicle. Officer Tyler Staback responded and assisted.

2:18 p.m. A Teresa Road resident reported a suspicious male on a Segway going up driveways and taking pictures. Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked on the person, and all was OK.

4:30 p.m. The Franklin Police Department requested assistance locating a suicidal male. Officers Robert Ekross and Nicholas Saletnik responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:02 p.m. A caller reported two youths throwing rocks at cars on School Street and then running away. Officers Shannon Beloin and Robert Ekross responded and took a report of vandalism.

7:13 p.m. A caller reported someone flying a hang glider over the liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks on Wilson Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

June 2

12:49 p.m. A walk-in reported a suspicious text message. Officer Tyler Staback assisted and spoke with the texting person, who was trying to purchase homes through text messages. The person was advised to discontinue communications.

2:41 p.m. A motorist reported her vehicle was sideswiped while parked on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and took a report of a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident.

3:43 p.m. A caller reported a car struck a pole on Cedar Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and advised Verizon. A tow was requested for the vehicle. No personal injuries were reported.

3:45 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour took a motor vehicle crash report on Grove Street. A tow truck was requested.

June 3

1:13 p.m. An Overlook Road resident reported an injured chipmunk on her back deck. The animal control officer was contacted.

8:28 p.m. A caller reported vandalism of the flower pots on the Town Common. The caller stated the pots were intact, but the flowers were ripped out from them, and she had photos. The vandalism was logged.

June 4

12:28 p.m. The Eastham Police Department reported an elderly female went missing from Eastham, and there was reason to believe she was headed to where she grew up in Ashland. Hopkinton officers were requested to drive by and be on the lookout. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and checked the area with a negative find.

8:59 p.m. A motorist reported a chair on the off-ramp of Interstate 495 South. Officer Cody Normandin responded to assist the State Police but was unable to safely remove it. He notified the Department of Transportation.

June 5

9:25 a.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil reported a truck lost its load on the roadway on Main Street, and he removed it.

12:08 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard reported a tree limb fell on wires on Saddle Hill Road. Eversource was notified.

1:31 p.m. A caller reported her license plate possibly had been stolen. Sergeant Matthew McNeil took a report.

2:23 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil took a motor vehicle crash report on Hayden Rowe Street. No personal injuries were reported.